Yesterday, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 has escalated from public health crisis to pandemic. In simple terms, this means the public health priority has shifted from preventing the spread of the virus to slowing it down so that our healthcare system doesn’t get overwhelmed by too many infections happening concurrently. We know our members are on the front lines interacting with the public every day in the various ...read more 

Information about COVID-19 is changing rapidly and there are many questions and concerns about the virus and government measures. In the midst of this pandemic, we want to take a minute to remind you that we are here for you. We also want to thank all our members who are working on the front lines to ensure the public has the supplies and support they need during this challenging time. As ...read more 

Today, UFCW 1518 sent an urgent letter to BC Minister of Labour Bains calling for several emergency actions to protect grocery and pharmacy store workers. “Grocery store and pharmacy workers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis,” said President Kim Novak, “they are bravely facing extraordinary challenges to keep Canadians fed and get them the essential supplies they need. They deserve government action to help keep themselves ...read more 

Budtenders at Clarity Cannabis joined UFCW 1518 last week, making them the first cannabis workers at a private dispensary to unionize in Canada. Workers cited poor treatment, lack of security and safety training as reasons for joining union. “We are excited to welcome these new members to our union and we are proud to be the first union in Canada to organize private dispensaries,” said President Kim Novak. Budtenders ...read more 

UFCW 1518 and Sobeys will enter mediation on March 2 with mediator Julie Nichols. Key for the union is obtaining a definition of “profitable year” as outlined in Special Officer Vince Ready’s decision. UFCW 1518 filed a grievance last December regarding 14 Safeway locations across the province it says have become profitable since the Special Officer handed down his decision in 2018. The grievance stems from the union’s review ...read more