Unifor has filed a request with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service as negotiations continue for first collective agreements covering workers at CommerceLink Logistics (previously operated as Walmart Fleet ULC) in Alberta and British Columbia.

The union cited “major concerns” related to work scheduling, disciplinary processes, and protections around work ownership and contracting out.

If the dispute is not resolved, Unifor warned that Walmart customers in Alberta and British Columbia could experience supply chain disruptions as early as March. The union said it is negotiating separate agreements for each province.

The 150 drivers and yard coordinators in British Columbia, who joined Unifor at the end of 2024, are represented by Local 114. Local 4050 represents the 265 workers in Alberta, who joined the union in February 2025. All affected employees are full-time workers.

“Our members are seeking a reasonable work-life balance,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne in a news release. “It’s not fair for them to be waiting around for last minute decisions by the employer on whether they are actually required to report on shift. Our members want to know when they’re reporting for work and when they’re getting home.”

“CommerceLink has said they want to be able to rely on the use of owner-operators,” added Unifor western regional director Gavin McGarrigle. “There’s no way we are going to allow them carte blanche to contract any of our work.”

Once federal conciliators are appointed, the conciliation process will begin, and the parties will work to schedule dates to resume bargaining.