A strike authorization vote authorizes the union to have the option to serve strike notice if we are unable to reach an agreement. It is also a strong show of solidarity for the bargaining committee, helping them to return to the bargaining table with a strong mandate from members. The bargaining committee can then push Sobeys to make a better wage offer.

The bargaining committee has unanimously agreed that NOW is the time to take a strike authorization vote. They are calling for members to vote before the committee returns to the bargaining table on September 20 and show Sobeys that they are united in fighting for a fair contract.

The strike authorization vote will be held online from Tuesday, September 12 at 9 am PDT to Thursday, September 14 at 3 pm PDT.

You will receive your voting credentials to your email address on Tuesday, September 12 at 9 am PDT.

Anyone who does not receive their voting credentials on September 12 can call the union office at 1-800-661-3708 during our extended office hours to request them, after verifying their identity.

Anyone requiring in-person assistance to vote can come to the UFCW 1518 office at 350 Columbia St. in New Westminster. The office will be open from 8:30 am to 7 pm PDT on Tuesday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 13. Regular office hours resume on Thursday, September 14—you can come vote at the office until 3 pm PDT.

All UFCW 1518 members who work at Safeway stores and FreshCo Pharmacies in Zone 1 (Lower Mainland to Whistler) will have the right to vote. Voting YES means that you support your bargaining committee’s recommendation to authorize a strike and demand a better contract than what Sobeys is offering.

Due to existing language in your collective agreement, members outside of Zone 1, won’t be able to participate in the current strike authorization vote. However, you will have many opportunities to support fellow union members, who will rely on your solidarity to fight for the best possible deal for all Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy workers. We will share more details in the coming weeks. 

No, a strike authorization vote is a step in escalation and does not mean we will automatically issue a strike notice. Ultimately, our committee is fighting for a fair deal for Safeway members. After the strike authorization vote, we will return to the bargaining table to show Sobeys we are serious about fighting for a fair deal—but our goal is to reach an agreement without having to serve strike notice.

A strike is when union members collectively withdraw their labour. Rather than going to work, union members will form a picket line outside of their workplace and refuse to return to their jobs until the employer puts forward a fair contract offer.

As workers, our labour is our power. An effective strike shows our power to the employer and puts pressure on them to negotiate fairly and meet our demands.

Yes, UFCW 1518 members will receive picket pay in the event a strike, so long as they show up to their picket shifts:

• $450 per week for 24 hours of picketing
• $350 per week for 16 hours of picketing

While there is a required minimum number of hours to receive picket pay, members are encouraged, where reasonable, to contribute more hours on the picket line ­‑­ roughly the number of hours they would typically work when possible.

Alternative duties may be available for members who are unable to walk the picket line.

We don’t know exactly how long a dispute could last—no one does. But we are several steps away from this.

Ultimately, bargaining ends with an agreement—one that both sides can ratify (that means the Employer and the Union members). And if that happens before a dispute… great! If not, a dispute may be necessary, but it will ultimately end when both sides reach a tentative agreement that ratifies.

If our strike successfully shows the employer that we will not back down until we get what we deserve, the hope is that the strike will end with a better contract that addresses members’ priorities.

Our union will coordinate other ways for members who can’t formally strike to get involved and show their solidarity through other kinds of actions. 

If another union (such as UFCW 247 or the Bakers Union) serves strike notice in your store, UFCW 1518 members would not cross this picket line, and would receive the equivalent picket pay. We will keep you informed if this happens in your store.

No, for international students, there will be no impact. If there is a dispute, you are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week but not required to do so. You would be entitled to up to 20 hours of picket pay a week.

If you hold a work permit and there is a dispute, there is no impact on your work permit if you are on strike or locked out. You would also be entitled to receive picket pay. Depending on the nature of your work permit, you may be able to work for a different employer during any labour dispute.

No! Your vote is confidential! So unless you share how you voted, no one will know.

We will provide members with all of the information they need to make an informed decision well ahead of job action.

Union representatives will make frequent store visits to keep members updated and answer your questions, and as always we will continue to keep members updated via emails, telephone town halls, social media, texts, and the Sobeys Bargaining Page.

Ensure that your contact info with us is up-to-date. You can update your info with union reps or members of the bargaining committee when you see them in-store, or you can send your full name, workplace name and number, Employee ID, email address, and cell phone number to reception@ufcw1518.com

We are forming a new Contract Support Team that can help coordinate members and keep them updated in the event we need to prepare to take job action

If you are interested in joining our Contract Support Team, click here.

Make sure you are receiving communications from your union and don’t hesitate to be in touch with your union rep to make sure you know the latest information.

Wear your Respect Retail Workers pin at work