The transfer process for UFCW 1518 members working in the 10 Safeway stores closing across the lower mainland and Mission was finally completed this week. On June 8, members in closure stores will receive their placement letters alerting them as to their new location.

The process was a frustrating one, acknowledged President Ivan Limpright, with members waiting for months to hear where they would be placed and how the transfer would affect their lives.

“Sobeys was very disorganized and we had many meetings where no progress was made because the company was ill prepared,” President Limpright said. “The uncertainty and confusion it caused our members is regrettable.”

Placing members in receiving stores by seniority and preference, as well as ensuring that accommodated members were not adversely impacted was a complex task, he added. “But I’m pleased to report that 80 percent of members from closure stores received their first or second choice for placement.”

Monica Staff, UFCW 1518 Director, oversaw the store transfers on behalf of UFCW 1518. If members have any questions or concerns regarding the placements, please contact the union office at 1-800-661-3708.