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Author: UFCWMasterAdmin

Sobeys Bargaining Update: Negotiations to continue through the weekend

September 23, 2023

The Sobeys Bargaining Committee worked late last night (Sept 22), making some progress. However, negotiations are going more slowly than the committee would like.

UFCW 1518 will work through the weekend and remain focused on making the gains Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy members need to bring an agreement back to the membership.

The union will keep members posted on any significant updates at the table should they develop on Saturday or Sunday. Members should stay tuned to their email inbox for the latest information.

We know that many members would like to know exactly which bargaining proposals have been settled and which have not. Members will have the opportunity to know, and vote on, all of the specifics once the union has come to an agreement with Sobeys. And, if bargaining reaches an impasse, we will let members know exactly what issues we could not reach an agreement on.

Until then, bargaining items remain in flux, and it is critical that members focus on both negotiating a contract while also preparing for job action if talks break down.

That is why UFCW 1518 staff are continuing preparations for a strike. If you are a Safeway or FreshCo Pharmacy member interested in helping with strike readiness, we encourage you to register to become a Picket Captain, which you can do by signing up for the Contract Support Team. Members who signed up for the Contract Support Team will receive more information next week.

In the meantime, staff will be monitoring the [email protected] email inbox over the weekend, so members can continue to send any questions along.

Sobeys Bargaining Update: Back to the Bargaining Table

September 21, 2023

Today, UFCW 1518 returned to the bargaining table with Sobeys with the membership’s 98% strike vote in hand. The Bargaining Committee entered the negotiations with confidence, ready to fight for the improvements that Sobeys members need to see in their next contract.

The strong strike vote has clearly had an impact on Sobeys, who did come back to the table with an improved offer. 

However, even with some moves in the right direction, the two sides are still far apart. The revised offer is not one the Sobeys Bargaining Committee is willing to recommend to members. They are preparing a counter and response back to the employer.

UFCW 1518 is committed to using the days ahead to reach an agreement with Sobeys, but will also prepare to take job action in the event talks come to a halt, or Sobeys is not willing to make the moves the committee needs to see to bring back a recommended agreement to the membership. 

That is why, while we continue to bargain, UFCW 1518 staff are also preparing for a dispute. We have begun preparation for Picket line Captain recruitment and training. If you are interested in stepping up, we would encourage you to register to become a Picket Captain, which you can do by signing up for the Contract Support Team. 

Negotiations are scheduled to continue every day for the next 8 days with Sobeys. As long as the momentum continues and the union continues to see moves from the employer, our committee is committed to working hard to reach a deal. We will provide members with another update on Friday evening once negotiations conclude for the day.

As always, members with questions can reach out at [email protected]. 

In solidarity,

Angela Crosato, Sobeys 4908, Vancouver
Peter Dombrowski, Sobeys 4920, Surrey
Teresa-Lyne Dziedzic, Sobeys 4920, Surrey
Armin Reyes, Sobeys 4996 Reline Crew
Marlene White, Sobeys 4977, Coquitlam
Shiela Scarr, Sobeys 4912, Langley
Jennifer Brown, Sobeys 4966, Vancouver
Leslie Ramsperger, Sobeys 4911, Burnaby

& UFCW 1518 Staff Negotiators:
Stephen Portman and Ronda Melbourne

Statement on Standing up for Human Rights: No Space for Hate

September 20, 2023

UFCW 1518 is deeply concerned about the recent surge of hate and intolerance towards transgender and LGBTQIA2S+ people – we know this affects and impacts many of our members and their loved ones and we are speaking out against the rallies targeting these communities that are scheduled to take place across BC and Canada today.

These rallies are a direct attack on the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the principles of equity, respect, and inclusion, which are the pillars upon which our union stands. This puts the safety, well-being and lives of those in these communities at risk. The rise of extremist agendas are promoting intolerance, discrimination and anti-LGBTQIA2S+ hate is creating unsafe spaces in our communities.

These actions place the safety of transgender and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, both within and outside of educational institutions, in jeopardy.

In response to the anti-trans marches scheduled for today and the rise of hateful speech and actions towards these marginalized people of our communities, we encourage our members and the public to speak up and take action against the hate and join peaceful counter-protest demonstrations in solidarity.

Just as we advocate for worker rights, we wholeheartedly champion the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Let us amplify the voices promoting inclusivity, allyship, acceptance and unwavering support for the rights of children and young people to live authentically, free from both physical and psychological harm, as everyone deserves safety and dignity.

Safeway Workers Vote ‘YES’ to Strike Mandate

September 15, 2023

98% of Safeway workers throughout the Lower Mainland voted ‘YES’ to authorize a strike in the highest voter turnout in decades.

On September 14 2023, 98 per cent of UFCW 1518’s Safeway workers officially voted ‘YES’ to authorize job action. A record number of members were mobilized — the highest turnout of Safeway members in decades — and overwhelmingly cast their vote in support of strike action.

The affirmative strike vote results come on the same day as Empire Co. Ltd — the parent corporation that owns Sobeys/Safeway — posts an increase in first quarter profits. In the 13 weeks (ended Aug. 5), they reported net earnings of $261 million on sales of $8 billion. Meanwhile, Safeway workers have been offered less than one per cent wage increases a year.

A strike would affect about 40 Sobeys locations in the Lower Mainland and with over 3,000 workers, but is not currently imminent. Prior to issuing notice of job action, UFCW 1518 will return to the bargaining table on behalf of Safeway workers from Sept. 20 to 29.

Says UFCW 1518 president, Kim Novak, “With a 98 per cent yes vote, our members are sending Sobeys a message loud and clear: They’re united and prepared to take action if the employer refuses to move on the insulting wage offer that led us to take a strike vote in the first place. One percent wage increases are unacceptable. Our members deserve to share in the success of the company they work for, and that means higher wages, access to full time jobs and respect for the hard work they do. Our focus is to negotiate a deal that does just that, and we hope with this strong mandate, Sobeys comes to the table to do the same thing.”

Notably, UFCW 247 (representing Safeway’s meat, deli and seafood workers) is also taking a strike vote at the end of this month.

UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak will be available for comment about the strike vote results and the impending job action on Friday, Sept. 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00p.m.

To connect with her please reach out Diana Perez, 778-791-3550, [email protected]

Safeway Workers Vote 98% in Favour of Strike Authorization

September 14, 2023

We are very excited to announce that not only did we have a 98% vote YES to authorizing strike action – we had the highest voter turnout at Safeway in decades! Our first online vote with Sobeys/Safeway members was an overwhelming success, and we now have a strong mandate as we return to the bargaining table next week.

Your strong support for the strike authorization shows that UFCW 1518 members are united and ready to fight for what they deserve at the Sobeys bargaining table. As Empire has reported higher profit, stores continue to see investment and growth plans appear to be the priority – we want to ensure workers do not get left behind. That means fair wage increases, access to full-time jobs, and respect for the hard and important work you do every day.

We will not be issuing strike notice immediately in Zone 1 stores, as we have bargaining dates scheduled from September 20-29. We want to assure you that we take this mandate very seriously. Our bargaining committee is ready to call a strike if necessary – but our focus in these next several dates of bargaining is to reach an agreement we can bring back to you – our members for a vote.

We will continue to keep you updated on progress and any developments that arise at the bargaining table. Your engagement and involvement in this process are critical to how we got to the strong position we are in today, so please keep that momentum growing and stay informed as bargaining resumes!

I want to sincerely thank all of the Shop Stewards and workplace leaders who have worked tirelessly to mobilize the vote, ensure all workers know what we are fighting for, and for uniting our Safeway membership. And a thank you to every single member for getting involved and providing a strong and unwavering commitment to your bargaining committee to return to the negotiating table with thousands of Safeway workers strongly behind them.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

In solidarity,

Kim Novak
UFCW 1518 President

Safeway Workers Take Imminent Strike Vote

September 13, 2023

After months of bargaining, UFCW 1518 members at Safeway stores in BC will vote on job action mandate

Citing health risks, long hours, and rising costs, UFCW 1518 members at Safeway Inc. are officially going to a strike vote this week. Among their concerns are securing fair wages, more full-time jobs and unfreezing Safeway workers from minimum wages.

Says UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak, “Our members working at Safeway stores have worked tirelessly through a pandemic, rising inflation and record profits reported by the company they work for – Sobeys. Now that we are in bargaining, their employer has seemingly turned their back on that. We continue to hear stories of corporate gouging while workers are left struggling and falling further and further behind as Sobeys has delayed negotiations and refuses to present a fair wage offer.”

The union has been in bargaining with Safeway’s parent company, Sobeys, for 38 sessions spanning over eight months. Recent offers have included a less than one per cent increase some years, and a lump sum payment only for select employees. Some years would not see any increase.

Asserts Novak, “The wage offer made by Sobeys is simply insulting to our members – and is forcing our hand. The company does not appear to understand what the staff are up against in their day-to-day. As Sobeys records high earnings, and executives and shareholders are paid out, Safeway workers are feeling disrespected by their employer’s proposal of a marginal wage increase of 1% or less. It’s not okay.”

UFCW 1518 feels confident that the public will understand and empathize with their local grocery store workers.

“We are so grateful for the support we’ve already received from Safeway customers. These workers are part of a larger community, putting food on the table for their friends and neighbours. This is a battle for all of us. In the face of corporate greed, Safeway employees, members of UFCW 1518, are ready to stand together. This week’s strike vote is bringing our members together to show Sobeys they are tired of waiting – and they are ready to fight for a fair contract,” says Novak.

The strike authorization vote will occur from Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 9:00 a.m. to Thursday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. Only members from the Lower Mainland to Whistler (Zone 1) are eligible to participate.

UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak will be available for comment on September 13, from 7:30 am to 11:00 am.

To connect with her please reach out Diana Perez, 778-791-3550, [email protected].

Safeway Members Preparing for a Strike Authorization Vote

September 1, 2023

Over the past few weeks, UFCW 1518 staff and bargaining committee members have been out in Safeway stores speaking with members about bargaining, the offensive offer that Sobeys last put on the table, and what the union is fighting for in this round of bargaining. As Sobeys cancelled all bargaining dates scheduled in August, we took the opportunity to engage hundreds of members.

Through these discussions, we have heard loud and clear from members that it is time to show Sobeys that the membership is ready to fight for a fair deal. Safeway’s last offer was insulting, and UFCW 1518 members have waited long enough for a new contract.

There are nine (9) days of bargaining scheduled beginning September 20, which is more than enough time to reach a settlement OR realize that we are at an impasse. This is why the Safeway bargaining committee needs members to show support now, before returning to the bargaining table on September 20.  

How can Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy members show their strong support for a better deal?  

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 and show Sobeys that they are united in fighting for a fair contract. On Tuesday, August 29, the Safeway Advisory Committee also unanimously agreed that the TIME IS NOW to show Sobeys that members are ready to fight for the contract they deserve.

UFCW 1518 has also been coordinating with UFCW 247, which represents meat, deli and seafood workers in Safeway stores. The UFCW 247 Safeway bargaining committee has also unanimously supported taking a strike authorization vote before they return to the bargaining table with Safeway in October. We know that having both of our union locals working together makes us even stronger.

So what comes next?

We are in the process of finalizing the details of a strike authorization vote. The union will send Safeway and FreshCo members more information in the coming days about how the vote will be conducted and what to expect. Union representatives will also be calling Shop Stewards individually so they can answer questions and fill members in on the vote rollout plan. The union is also sending reps and organizers into stores beginning next week so they can talk members through the process.

On Thursday, September 7 at 7 pm PDT, UFCW 1518 will hold a Telephone Town Hall for all Safeway members to share information about the strike authorization vote and answer members’ questions live.

A strike authorization vote is a critical step in showing up united and strong at the bargaining table when negotiations resume on September 20. It does not mean that the union is going to issue strike notice immediately, or that Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy members are imminently going on strike. The union’s focus remains on reaching a strong agreement with improvements for members. Going into bargaining with a strong strike vote will help us accomplish that. 

How can I help?

Safeway members can talk to their co-workers and ensure that anyone who is not receiving union emails updates their contact info. Members not receiving email updates should contact [email protected] or phone 1.800.661.3708 and provide their full name, employee number, store number, email address, and cell phone number. Safeway bargaining and strike vote-related questions can be emailed to [email protected]. Members interested in getting even more involved can sign up for the Contract Support Team.

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.