Summer Research Assistant
Job Description
About the Organization
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 is Alberta's largest private sector union, proudly representing 32,000 members across diverse industries including retail, food processing, beverage production, hospitality, gaming, healthcare, and education. As part of the 1.3-million-member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, we represent working people across North America and are deeply committed to advancing the rights, wages, and working conditions of our members.
Our Calgary office is growing, and we are currently seeking two Temporary Summer Student Research Assistants to join our team for a period of eight weeks. This is a meaningful opportunity for post-secondary students to contribute directly to union negotiation campaigns and gain hands-on experience in labour research, data analysis, and collective bargaining strategy.
About the Role
These positions are temporary, full-time contracts running for eight consecutive weeks during the summer. Successful candidates will work 35 hours per week within standard office hours at our Calgary location. Some mobile work may be required. Applicants are responsible for their own daily transportation to and from the union office.
This is a challenging, intellectually stimulating role that places you at the centre of impactful labour work. You will support negotiators and administrative staff in making data-driven decisions that directly benefit the members UFCW Local 401 represents.
Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to help UFCW Local 401 make informed decisions and enhance the interests of its membership
- Conduct market and corporate research across the industries and sectors where UFCW members or potential members are employed
- Work alongside administrative staff and negotiators to support research and communications strategies related to collective bargaining initiatives
- Compile, analyze, and summarize industry data, and present findings clearly to union leadership
- Gather information through qualitative and quantitative desk research relating to contract negotiations and current wages within specific industries
- Work independently and collaboratively with other researchers to develop complex queries on retail regulatory changes, identify emerging trends and anomalies, and model the impacts of policy or regulatory change
- Provide timely responses to information needs and support active union campaigns
- Research policy pertaining to all levels of government and industry as they relate to the members of Local 401
- Assist with communications materials and internal documentation as needed
Minimum Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary education program; applicants completing a degree in a social sciences related field are preferred, though all post-secondary students will be considered based on relevant experience
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, etc.) is required — advanced Excel skills are a strong asset
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex findings
- Strong ability to problem solve and make decisions in real time within a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to manage workflow both independently and collaboratively
- Effective interpersonal communicator, adept at building professional relationships both online and in person
The following are considered valuable assets:
- Knowledge of ALRB (Alberta Labour Relations Board) rules and procedures
- Familiarity with privacy law (PIPA), FOIP, publicly traded companies, corporate governance, and financial markets
Our Ideal Candidate
- Is organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented
- Approaches their work with a growth mindset and intellectual curiosity
- Is highly collaborative with strong interpersonal skills
- Can make sense of and provide meaningful analysis across data spanning a wide range of professions and industries
- Has a demonstrated commitment to labour values and an understanding of broader economic and social justice issues
- Takes initiative and brings enthusiasm to challenging, purpose-driven work
What We Offer
- A competitive salary for the duration of the contract
- Flexible scheduling arrangements
- The opportunity to take part in meaningful, challenging, and socially important work that directly impacts the lives of working Albertans
- Exposure to collective bargaining processes, labour relations, and union campaign strategy
- A collaborative and values-driven workplace environment
Posting Closing Date: June 26, 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview
Interested in this position?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply now and take the next step in your career.
About United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 is Alberta's largest private sector union, representing approximately 32,000 members across industries including retail, food processing, beverage production, hospitality, gaming, healthcare, and education. As part of the 1.3-million-member UFCW International Union, Local 401 is dedicated to advocating for workers' rights and advancing the interests of its members across North America. The organization works to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong collective agreements for working people throughout the private sector.
