Earlier this week, Local 401 of the United Food and Commercial Workers published an update regarding contract negotiations for workers employed by Alsco.
Based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, but with branches in Calgary and Edmonton, Alsco specializes in uniform and linen rental and cleaning services.
In December 2021, Alcso drivers in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Red Deer submitted an application with the Alberta Labour Relations Board to unionize with Local 401.
These drivers work between 8 and 14 hours a day, regardless of weather, to pick up and deliver heavy-duty industrial workwear, uniforms, restaurant and hospital linens, nonslip floor mats, floor care products, and washroom and first-aid supplies to businesses throughout northern Alberta, as well as Fort St. John, British Columbia.
After a successful unionization vote, the ALRB certified the unionization of these 20 workers, roughly 2 months from when they submitted their application.
Through months of negotiations, these workers finally got their first collective agreement in October 2022. That agreement expired last November; although negotiations on a new agreement did not begin until that same month.
According to this week’s update, the workers’ bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement with Alsco. More specifically, Alsco has presented what they call their final offer, and the bargaining team is bringing it to the workers to see whether they think it is sufficient.
The proposed 3-year agreement would see increases for 3 job classifications.
| 1st year | 2nd year | 3rd year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle driver | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| Utility driver | 4.00% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
| Route sales rep | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% |
Both driver categories for 3% per year in their last collective agreement, and sales reps did not receive set annual wage increases.
Commissions for sales reps would increase from 7% to 7.5% in the proposed agreement.
As well, if passed, the new agreement would give workers a one-tim 3% ratification bonus. This will be more money in their pockets, but will not increase their base salary, which scheduled pay increases will be based on.
For example, if a worker makes $40,000, then their ratification bonus would be $1,200. However, when their wage increase kicks in next year, it will be based on $40,000, not $41,200.
Alsco has also proposed a brand new customer renewal bonus for sales reps. It will be $1,500 and will be available to all sales reps who meet the following 2 conditions:
- 96% of customers of their route being under a valid Service Agreement as of November 30 of the previous year
- Personally secured 26 renewals throughout the calendar year
Here are some highlights of other changes that Alsco has proposed.
Increased paramedical coverage would increase to $500.
Boot allowance would increase from $170 to $200 per year.
Employer pension contributions would be 4% for everyone. Previously it was 2% for shuttle drivers, 4% for utility drivers, and optional for sales reps.
Overnight per diems would increase from $37.50 to $50.
Under the previous agreement, workers who had to travel at least 160 kilometres from their operating centre received 16¢ per kilometre. That would increased to 18¢ this year, 19¢ next year, and 20¢ in 2028.
Heritage Day and Boxing Day were added as statutory holidays, bring the total number of stat holidays to 11.
Bereavement leave has been expanded to include wards and “any related dependents or family living with the employee”.
Sick leave would change from 48 hours per year to 6 days per year.
Jury leave would be paid. Previously, it was unpaid.
The workers’ bargaining team plans to hold an information meeting on 9 August 2026 to explain the proposed changes and answer workers’ questions. Voting will begin the following morning and end on the 12th.
If the workers reject the proposed offer, the bargaining team will have to go back to negotiations and tell Alsco to improve their offer.
