fbpx

Month: August 2023

Preparing for a Strike Vote at Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy

August 22, 2023

For over eight months, UFCW 1518 has been in bargaining with Sobeys—the corporation that owns Safeway. In over 36 days of bargaining, Sobeys has barely moved on their wage offer, which is less than 1% in some years of the proposed contract.

Escalation may be necessary to fight for a fair deal. What are the next steps in preparing for a strike vote at Sobeys/Safeway, and what does this mean for members? Click on the items below to learn more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 [email protected]

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

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.

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.

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.

Members not in Zone 1 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.

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

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.

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 [email protected]

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

Raising the Bar for the Grocery Industry at Save-On-Foods

August 21, 2023

The highest wage increases in over 20 years, better work-life balance through flexible scheduling, and significant pension improvements are just some features of the deal.

Five months of bargaining with Save-On-Foods and four days of polling have ended in a new collective agreement for UFCW 1518 members, who won improvements to wages, flexibility in scheduling for workers, pension improvements, and improved job security.

On Thursday, June 29, the workers struck a tentative deal with Save-On-Foods. With an opportunity for all members to vote online over four days, the results were in on Saturday, July 15. Their ratification vote confirmed that members were in favour of the five-year agreement, which includes a critical wage reopener in 2026.

“Our bargaining committee has been giving their all since February,” says UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak. “By pushing hard at the bargaining table and engaging members in stores, we’ve raised the bar for the grocery industry in B.C.” 

The agreement, which took effect on Sunday, July 16, boasts a 12% or higher wage increases for top-rate staff and a shorter progression to top rate on every pay scale in the contract – including increases of over 17% in year one for many working their way up the scale. 

Recruitment and retention have been serious issues at the stores, negatively affecting everyone’s mental health and workloads. Solutions to this ongoing issue include a compressed wage scale so that staff can move up the pay scale faster, accruing higher raises more frequently, and more opportunities for full-time hours and protections, which were difficult for new workers to achieve before.

Save-On-Foods-Grid-B-Wage-Scale
Save-On-Foods Grid B Wage Scale

In addition to wage increases, the agreement brought several improvements to Save-On members’ work-life balance. “This round of bargaining was about more than just money,” Novak says. “It was also about making members’ actual workdays more fulfilling, fair, and reflective of the communities where they work.” 

Of note, the agreement includes changes that will give workers more power over their schedules, including fewer last-minute changes by the employer and the ability for staff to restrict their availability to certain days and times up to 32 hours. The deal will also introduce a 4-day workweek pilot project, which will be instituted at five stores to start. 

“Our members made it very clear that they need a more flexible agreement that better reflects their lifestyles,” says Novak. “The fact that we secured a shorter agreement also means that we can keep the contract language modern and attuned to the shifting needs and demographics of our diverse membership.” 

Save-On-Foods now has an industry-leading contract in the grocery sector in B.C. 

“The growth and expansion of Save-On-Foods and their success relies on the hard work of our members,” says Novak. “Our new agreement is an industry-leading contract that recognizes the work of grocery workers across the province. We encourage other employers in the retail industry to take note.” 

Save-On-Foods workers can learn more about the process that went into the new collective agreement at ufcw1518.com/sof-bargaining. Grocery workers who are interested in how they can join a union and gain power at work can check out ufcw1518.com/join.

Bargaining Update for UFCW 1518 Safeway Members

August 18, 2023

What’s the Latest on Safeway bargaining?

For over eight months, UFCW 1518 has been in bargaining with Sobeys.

They purchased Safeway stores nine years ago. So while you see Safeway signs on the store, that is not the company we bargain with.

When Sobeys first purchased Safeway stores, our members shared that they felt hope and excitement about a better future now that they would work for a Canadian-based company.

It wasn’t long before that hope turned into utter disappointment. The sentiment among employees today is the worst we have heard in 10 years, worse than the challenges our members faced even at the peak of the pandemic.

Our members have told us that they’re angry and frustrated. And more than anything, they feel deeply disrespected by the corporation they work for—Sobeys. And rightfully so. They should be furious.

This is a national corporation that has made record profits and has been called out for profiteering in the grocery industry and one that refuses to pay fair wages to employees that they rely on every day at the stores they operate.

  • We are fighting to UNFREEZE workers from minimum wage. It takes over 8 years to get an increase above minimum wage at Safeway—this is UNACCEPTABLE.
  • We are fighting for WAGE INCREASES. Prices of groceries keep going up, but wages are not. All workers at Safeway deserve increases for the hard work that they do.
  • We are fighting for FULL-time jobs. Even employees with 20 years of service are waiting for their chance to be full-time.

What have we seen Sobeys (Safeway) do?

Offer less than 1% annual wage increases.

Cut hours in stores.

Cancel bargaining dates.

So what are we doing now?

Our bargaining committee, staff reps, and leadership have been in stores talking with members. We are very pleased to hear that members are telling us loud and clear they are ready to stand together to support their bargaining committee for a fair contract.

What comes next?

We are committed to bargaining with Sobeys at our upcoming dates—with the goal of reaching an agreement we can bring back to our members to vote. BUT we also recognize that in the over 36 days of bargaining, they have barely moved on their wage offer and escalation may be necessary to fight for a fair deal. And that is why we are reconvening on Tuesday, August 29, with the Advisory Committee to have this very discussion about what comes next!

Do we have dates to resume talks?

Yes, after Sobeys cancelled dates in August, we have confirmed that discussions will resume for several days starting on Wednesday, September 20. That is why we are meeting with the Advisory Committee and have had folks in stores every week to build momentum, awareness, and support so we are stronger than ever when we are back at the table!

Trees Alpha St Workers Join UFCW 1518

August 17, 2023

Workers at Third Trees Cannabis Shop in Victoria, B.C. vote to Join the BC Budtenders’ Union

Workers at the Trees Cannabis Alpha Street location in Victoria, B.C. (Lekwungen Territory), recently voted to join the BC Budtenders’ Union and UFCW Local 1518, uniting this store with two existing Trees Cannabis locations in Victoria.

This endeavour was led by dedicated budtender Kyra Ball who has only worked at Trees Cannabis for less than a year. Kyra played a pivotal role in orchestrating the unionization of the third Victoria Trees location.

“This [Alpha Street] location opened after the two others were already unionized, and I always wondered why we weren’t,” said Ball.

Ball’s efforts were inspired by the fact that the two other Trees Cannabis locations in Victoria were already unionized, giving her the courage to begin the organizing process. Reading through the Trees Collective Agreement on the UFCW 1518 website also allowed her to gain insights into the provisions and benefits workers at her location could have.

But what led Ball into organizing was when she found out that the stores were bought out by Four20, an Albertan competitor, back in July, leaving Ball and the team of four in ambiguity.

“After I heard that Four20 bought out Trees Cannabis, we wondered what it meant for us and our jobs,” said Ball. “We found most of the information about the acquisition through online searches, but we still didn’t know what it meant for our future or how to ask the right questions.”

Ball now looks forward to having union representation and negotiating their first contract, hoping to secure access to fair hours and better coverage for sick days.

As Ball notes, these contract improvements would represent a win-win for workers and the customers that shop at Trees Alpha St.

“By BC law, we can’t open a store without at least two workers. With only four of us, it’s difficult to find coverage, so the store may stay closed that day, making it hard for us to serve and retain customers. By getting access to members at the other locations, we can keep the store open and help the business grow.”

The Alpha St. Location team spent little time deciding whether or not they should join UFCW 1518. They voted unanimously in favour of joining the union on Thursday, August 10, showing their strong solidarity.

If you are a cannabis worker and would like to know more about forming a union at your workplace, check out the BC Budtenders’ Union homepage at ufcw1518.com/cannabis.

Celebrating our Union Pride – A statement from President Kim Novak

August 8, 2023

As Pride celebrations in Vancouver begin to wind down, we want to take a moment to reflect on our role as a labour union that is an ally to the queer community. A union that fights for the rights of all working people, regardless of who they are or who they love. A union with Pride.

In the past several years, the LGBTQIA2S+ community has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of challenges from anti-LGBTQIA2S+ propaganda, hate, and violence. As your union, UFCW 1518 recognizes the solemnity of this situation and denounces any efforts to undermine or discredit the hard-earned progress our society has achieved in advancing LGBTQIA2S+ rights.

Our commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community and participating in the Vancouver Pride Parade runs deep. We firmly believe that inclusivity, respect, and equality are not just admirable ideals. They are the very foundation upon which our union stands. Just as we advocate for worker safety and the rights of our hardworking members, we also wholeheartedly champion the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Vancouver Pride Parade was one way to celebrate all the progress we have made. But it also helps us continue to recognize how much more work we need to do to create a world where everyone feels like they belong.

As a member of the Canadian Labour Congress, UFCW 1518 stands united with unions across Canada in fighting for LGBTQIA2S+ members and the community. Together, we amplify our voices and leverage our collective strength to create positive change and an environment where people can love and live freely without fear, discrimination, or violence. Canada’s unions will continue to join others in the community to celebrate Pride and support LGBTQIA2S+ equality and justice. Join an event near you: https://canadianlabour.ca/events/2023-pride-festivities-across-canada/

Looking ahead, it is critical for us to continue to celebrate and speak up for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. No matter who you are, what you look like, or what your sexual orientation is, you deserve dignity and respect.

Kim Novak
UFCW 1518 President

2024-2027 UFCW 1518 Leadership Team

August 4, 2023

UFCW 1518’s nomination period for officers concluded yesterday with just one candidate nominated for each position, leading to an unopposed election for President, Secretary-Treasurer, Recorder, and Vice Presidents by acclamation.

Kim Novak, who has served as UFCW 1518 President since 2019, will continue her role as President for the 2024-2027 term.

“I am honoured to serve as President of UFCW 1518 for a second term,” Novak said. “These last four years were different than we expected and planned for, with a global pandemic throwing all of our members in every sector onto the front lines in the work they do. Despite the challenges we faced, we strengthened our union by growing our membership, organizing new workplaces, training thousands of members, increasing member engagement, substantially improving the financial position of the union in the member action reserve fund and more. We look forward to where we go from here, and congratulate the newly elected executive board members!” 

Also returning for the upcoming term is Patrick Johnson, who will continue to serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

“It is a privilege to work on behalf of all UFCW 1518 members for a second term,” said Johnson. “I am again looking forward to bolstering the union’s financial and political power, driving us towards greater achievements. Our union has been on the forefront of organizing and we look forward to growing that momentum as we continue to see more and more workers standing together to build better workplaces.”

In addition to the President and Secretary-Treasurer, a Recorder and 23 Vice Presidents were elected to the executive board by acclamation. Compromising of dedicated UFCW 1518 members, their presence ensures a diverse and representative team to lead the union on a mission to advocate for worker rights, respect, dignity, and interests:

Recorder: Nanette Fredericks—MacKenzie Co-Op
Vice President #1: David Gutierrez—Save-On-Foods 910
Vice President #2: Linda Wilson—Port Alberni Home Support
Vice President #3: Marylou Fonda—Save-On-Foods 2223
Vice President #4: Kathleen Guerin—Save-On-Foods 0931
Vice President #5: James (Jimbo) Grant—Save-On-Foods 0935
Vice President #6: Jennifer Brown—Sobeys 4966
Vice President #7: Virgilio Encarnacion—Sofina Foods, Port Coquitlam
Vice President #8: Jhoelyn Cantil—Sunrise Poultry, Aldergrove
Vice President #9: Eleanor Smith—Penticton Home Support, Penticton
Vice President #11: Rajiv Mehra—Grand River Foods, Abbotsford
Vice President #12: Jaime Emerson—Save-On-Foods 2208
Vice President #13: Connie Buckner—Cowichan Home Support, Duncan
Vice President #14: Anita Letendre—Save-On-Foods 0999
Vice President #15: Kevin Sparkes—Sunrise Poultry, Maple Ridge
Vice President #16: Jennifer Vecchio—Nelson Home Support, Nelson
Vice President #17: Teresa-Lyne Dziedzic—Sobeys 4920
Vice President #18: Raven Morningstar—Save-On-Foods 6690
Vice President #19: Dennis Sato—Sobeys 4976
Vice President #21: Christine Holowka—Save-On-Foods 0967
Vice President #22: Armin Reyes—Sobeys 4996
Vice President #23: Erica Jones—Save-On-Foods 0995
Vice President #24: Peter Dombrowski—Sobeys 4920
Vice President #25: Marlene White—Sobeys 4977

UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson, and the executive board are passionate about the labour movement and advocating for member rights. Their unwavering commitment to engage, educate, and empower members to create positive change comes with tailored in-store visits, training and education sessions, and appreciation events for a diverse range of industries across British Columbia and the Yukon, including the retail food, community health, seasonal agriculture, and professional service sectors spanning over 26,000 members.

Member Spotlight: Clint Dennett, James Commodore & Rajiv Mehra

August 3, 2023

Clint Dennett & James Commodore, Avalon Dairy Shop Stewards

BECOMING INDUSTRIAL Strength

Our members in the Industrial sector—which runs the gamut from meat processing plants to recycling centres—are tough. As UFCW 1518 Executive Board member and Grand River Foods employee Rajiv Mehra says, “we are pushed a lot.”

GRAND RIVER FOODS Worker & UFCW 1518 Executive Board Member Rajiv Mehra
GRAND RIVER FOODS Worker & UFCW 1518 Executive Board Member Rajiv Mehra

He describes his own work environment as incredibly cold and wet, but it’s all because of the union that workers like him have the health protections and work wear that they need to do the job safely and well. 

What these physical workspaces lack in warmth, our members make up for with care, community, and vitality. The Industrial sector boasts one of the strongest networks of engaged and vocal Shop Stewards, who take great care to protect their coworkers. Consistently, they act as both a buffer between the shop floor and the employer, as well as a liaison between the larger union and their coworkers. 

Avalon Dairy member Clint Dennett is one of these Stewards. “I was in it before we were even certified. I took it on as a challenge. [Stewards] are pretty much the leaders around here—we try to bring everybody together and on board.”

Inspiring passion and power in their coworkers will be the next big challenge for these leaders. The more members who are willing to speak up, enforce their collective agreement, and use the union’s platform to advance causes that they value, the stronger the union and the better their wages and working conditions will be. Dennett agrees and says that mentorship and education for members will be key because the Stewards can’t be everywhere at once. Mehra notes that shifts in demographics must be considered when talking about empowering workers too. When he first started at Grand River Foods, many languages were spoken among staff. 

Update Magazine sat down with Mehra, Dennett and other passionate industrial activists to ask them how the union has improved their workplace, and how their coworkers can get more involved.

How has unionizing benefited your workplace?

James Commodore (Avalon Dairy): Respect. A lot more. We don’t have a lot of the bullying from management anymore because we have rights now. We have a voice. Things have changed quite a bit for the better.

Rajiv Mehra (Grand River Foods): Job security. If the employer has done something wrong, you can approach the union through your Shop Stewards—they’re the first people on the floor, elected by the members. We’ve seen many times when people are terminated from the shop. When you’re nonunionized you have no rights to come back to work. But when you’re unionized, we can fight to bring people back and get them their job back.

Clint Dennett (Avalon Dairy): I’m glad we got a constant rep. When [Union Rep] Michael came in, it was like a safety net, so
now we can move forward. He’s here—and it’s good for the members to see him. It’s that reinforcement of ‘look the union’s here.’ 

What advice would you give to members who want to get more involved?

Mehra: Call the union! See the benefits that your union has. They will support you in every aspect, wherever you are. You need their help, they come. Nobody can harass you, nobody can push you, nobody can bully you—these are the advantages the union has. And without the union, you can’t get all these benefits.

Dennett: I would say, ‘do it.’ That one class that we took online, you learn so much. You think you know a lot, but as soon as you do a class you learn so much more.

Fighting For a Fair Contract at Safeway

August 3, 2023

As you know, we have been negotiating with Sobeys for six months now, with over 38 days of bargaining. Despite our efforts, the union and the employer continue to be very far apart in our positions.

We had expected Sobeys to come to the table in August to finally move closer to a settlement. Instead, they cancelled the scheduled dates, once again delaying progress in reaching a tentative agreement. We are not scheduled to meet again until Wednesday, September 20.

On Tuesday, August 1, we met with our Advisory Committee, made up of Safeway members from stores and pharmacies across BC to provide a full update on what has happened so far in bargaining, including a summary of the employer’s last proposal.

The employer proposal included:

  • Unacceptable wage increases of 1% in Year 1, a maximum lump sum of $400 in Year 2, and less than 1% in Years 3–5 of the contract for employees at the top rate
  • A wage scale that does NOT recognize members who have been frozen at minimum wage for years, and keeps members frozen when the minimum wage goes up
  • No pathway for meaningful full-time jobs or access to hours
  • Cuts to benefit contributions, unlimited vendor stocking, and more exclusions

Our Advisory Committee were clear on the next steps: it is time to mobilize the membership, educate them about what the employer is doing at the bargaining table, and prepare to fight for a contract that lifts everyone up.

What are we fighting for in this round of bargaining?

  • Wage increases for all employees
  • Stop freezing workers at minimum wage
  • Access to hours and full-time jobs
  • RESPECT for the hard work Safeway members do every day

To be prepared for the September bargaining dates, we need the membership to be well-informed. That is why Bargaining Committee members, Union Reps, and UFCW 1518 leadership will be in stores in the coming weeks, talking to members on all shifts.

As we head into bargaining again in September, we need members to stand together in support of fighting for a fair contract for ALL Sobeys employees. We will need to be ready to escalate our actions, including actively participating in public awareness campaigns and demonstrations and being ready to vote yes in a strike vote. 

In solidarity,

Kim Novak
President, UFCW 1518