Executive Summary
UFCW 1518 held a quarterly telephone town hall led by President Patrick Johnson and Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Melbourne with over 1,000 members participating. The call focused on recent collective bargaining outcomes, ongoing negotiations (especially Safeway wage review), and operational updates affecting members across multiple employers.
Key highlights included:
- Ratification of major agreements, including Save-On-Foods and the first-ever Uber driver collective agreement.
- Preparation for upcoming Safeway wage bargaining focused strictly on wages and lump sums.
- Numerous contract implementation updates impacting scheduling, benefits, and workplace processes.
- Active bargaining across 20+ employers and continued organizing efforts.
- Strong emphasis on member engagement through events, education, and conferences.
Updates
Major Bargaining Table Wins
Uber (Platform Workers)
- First collective agreement for rideshare drivers (in Victoria).
- Ratified with 99% approval.
- Key gains:
- Fee increases and bonuses
- Creation of a health & welfare fund (first-of-its-kind)
- Seen as a major milestone in organizing platform workers.
Save-On-Foods Reopener Agreement
- Ratified with 86% support.
- Extends contract to 2028.
- Key gains:
- Wage increases (2.5% now, 3.5% next year for top rates)
- Improved benefits (e.g., vision increased to $300 for Grid A)
- Introduction of BTO (Bonus Time Off) pilot
- Seniority improvement: daily maximization eligibility reduced from 12 to 6 months
- Two-week scheduling implemented across all stores
Other Ratified Agreements
- Community Social Services: 93% ratification
- First agreements achieved at:
- PetSmart
- Uber
- Additional agreements: Source Furniture, E-Cycle, First United, Veg Pro
Safeway Wage Review (Upcoming)
- Bargaining focused only on wages and lump sums
- Meetings scheduled for June 1–2
- Possibility of quick resolution
- If no deal, goes to arbitration
- Key leverage: recent Save-On-Foods wage gains
Member Engagement
Political & Labour Participation
- 5 delegates attended the Federal NDP Convention
- 18 delegates attended Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Convention
- 10 members attended UFCW Women’s Network Convention
Events & Campaigns
- Blue Shirt Day (May 7) honoring former president Kim Novak
- Upcoming:
- Industrial Picnic (July)
- All-member picnic (Aug 22 in New Westminster)
- Pride Parade (Nanaimo, June 14)
Education & Training
- Expanded training programs (moving beyond seasonal sessions)
- Topics included:
- Local government engagement
- Indigenous committee training
- New member orientation sessions (July), with
Member Support Improvements
- Dues restructuring:
- Members earning under $225/week now pay $5 flat rate
- Safeway Grid B dues capped at $18.95/week
- Goal: fairer dues distribution across income levels
Member q&a
Q1 – Member, Abbotsford:
Why is Save-On-Foods still bagging customers’ reusable bags, even when they’re unhygienic? Can this practice be eliminated?
Patrick Johnson:
Acknowledged that some customer bags are unsanitary and create a real issue for workers. Advised members they have the right to refuse unsafe work (e.g., moldy or dirty bags) and should escalate concerns to managers, shop stewards, and health & safety committees. Encouraged raising the issue collectively for future improvements.
Q2 –Member, Coquitlam:
How do I find out who my union representative is?
Patrick Johnson:
Members can find their union representative on the UFCW 1518 website or by calling/emailing the union office directly. If unsure, the office will connect members to the correct representative.
Q3 – Member, Park & Tilford:
How much will wages increase next week for Save-On-Foods?
Patrick Johnson:
Wage increases depend on your position on the pay scale.
- Top-rate employees: 2.5% increase now (3.5% next year)
- Others: move up one step on the wage grid
Members are encouraged to review updated wage scales online.
Q4 – Member, Online:
What stops Safeway from refusing all wage demands since members can’t strike during a wage review?
Patrick Johnson:
If no agreement is reached, the dispute goes to arbitration, not a dead end. The union’s leverage is the recent Save-On-Foods deal, which would strongly influence an arbitrator’s decision. He expressed confidence that a deal is achievable but noted uncertainty.
Q5 – Member:
As a Grid A department manager who lost ATOs, will BTOs be extended to managers?
Rhonda Melbourne:
Currently, no. This would need to be addressed in 2028 bargaining. ATOs are factored into department manager wages, but concerns are being heard.
Patrick Johnson:
Confirmed this is a major issue. The union has pushed on it and sees it as critical for attracting and retaining experienced department managers. Strong candidate for future bargaining priorities.
Q6 – Member:
Why was I prevented from working a 7th consecutive day instead of being paid overtime?
Rhonda Melbourne:
The collective agreement limits employees to 6 consecutive days, unless the schedule is created by employee-requested time off. If a manager forces a 7th day, overtime may apply, but if the employee agrees or requests shifts in that pattern, overtime does not automatically apply.
Q7 – Member:
Why were union dues changed, and who benefits?
Rhonda Melbourne:
Dues were restructured to ensure fairness:
- Members earning under $225/week now pay $5 flat rate
- Safeway Grid B dues now capped at $18.95/week
Previously, some lower-paid workers paid a higher percentage of income in dues.
Patrick Johnson:
Acknowledged this reduces union revenue but confirmed it will not impact service levels, as the union remains well-resourced.
Q8 – Member:
Can benefits be improved for things like orthotics and leg-related issues?
Patrick Johnson:
Recognized demand for better paramedical benefits (e.g., orthotics, physio). Future bargaining will focus on reallocating benefit resources to better match member needs. Improvements are possible but require careful cost balancing.
Q9 – Member:
Why do we need to give 21 days’ notice for time off if only 14 days of schedule are posted?
Rhonda Melbourne:
This is changing: with two-week scheduling now in place, only 14 days’ notice will be required going forward.
Q10 – Member, Kelowna:
Will wage increases match the new minimum wage increase?
Patrick Johnson:
Workers may temporarily be adjusted to minimum wage where applicable, but the union is actively bargaining next week to establish new wage scales above minimum wage, similar to Save-On-Foods.
Q11 – Member, North Vancouver:
Can senior employees take any shift they prefer?
Rhonda Melbourne:
No. Seniority does not grant the right to claim specific shifts. Scheduling is governed by definitions of early/late shifts in the collective agreement, not personal preference alone.
Q12 – Member, Chilliwack:
Will Grid B members also receive the improved vision benefits?
Patrick Johnson:
Yes. Grid B benefits will increase as well, but require approval through the health & welfare trust process. The improvement is expected, but timing is not finalized yet.
Q13 – Member, Online:
Is the union considering EI top-ups for parental leave?
Patrick Johnson:
Yes, it is a valid proposal. While not currently in place, similar models exist (e.g., short-term disability top-ups), and it could be pursued in future bargaining.
Q14 – Member:
Where can I access my collective agreement or union resources?
Patrick Johnson:
All agreements are available on the UFCW 1518 website under member resources. Members can also contact the union office directly for assistance.