Court Decision Pending, But Bargaining Doesn’t Stop!

We know the Alberta Court of Appeal decision on wage increases is the topic on everyone’s mind in stores right now. We are still waiting for that decision, and as soon as we hear what it is, we’ll let you know!

But your union remains committed to pushing Sobeys to treat you fairly through every avenue we have, including the bargaining table.

“Wages are top of mind for our members and their families. While we wait for the Alberta Court of Appeal’s decision on the wage rollback, your Bargaining Committee is working hard at the table. Even if we win that decision. There are other victories Safeway workers need us to push for.”
— Richelle Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 401

Your Union Bargaining Committee spent three full days at the table this round, going back and forth with Sobeys on proposals.

What Your Union Worked On This Round Of Negotiations

Your Bargaining Committee has been hard at work. Below is a summary of key proposals and agreements from this round. Click on each title to read the full proposal or language.

1. Better mental health supports
We put forward a proposal to strengthen Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits so workers have better access to mental health support when they need it. Sobeys has chosen not to discuss monetary items at this time, but this proposal is now on the table.
 

2. Protection from discrimination and intimidation
We tabled new language that sets clear standards for respectful, non-discriminatory behaviour at work, including how complaints are handled. This is about dignity, fairness, and accountability in the workplace.
 

3. Night stocking rules clarified
Night stocking will be its own scheduling group. This language clearly lays out expectations around overnight work, including scheduling patterns, rotations, staffing levels, time limits, and duties.
 

4. Full-time and part-time ratios in Meat & Deli
Sobeys wants lower staffing ratios in North and South stores, but we tabled the higher ratios to protect full-time jobs. We also added a ratio to guarantee full-time retail staffing. The company is below the minimum production requirement under the Meat and Deli agreement. If any members are interested in full-time work, please contact the Union Office. 

5. Bakery Sales – clearer job duties
We pushed for clearer language around Bakery Sales classifications and general duties, so workers know exactly what is expected of them.

“We believe improvements to job-duty language will help workers, especially in Calgary, where we work alongside members of the Bakers & Confectionery Union (BCTGM).”
— Sharon McIvor, Bakery Sales, Calgary

“This has been a real team effort. Safeways don’t all operate the same across the province, and those small differences matter. That’s why bargaining takes time and attention to detail.”
— Rose Boyd, Bakery Sales, Edmonton

Strike Vote: Building Strength and Pressure

As bargaining continues, your union is preparing for a strong strike vote. This is about getting organized, mobilized, and prepared, with high participation and visible support from members across the province.

A strike vote does not mean anyone is automatically going on strike. Strike votes are a strategic tool unions use to apply pressure on employers and show that workers are united and serious about achieving a fair agreement.

UFCW Local 401 has a clear and democratic process. Even if members vote in favour of a strike mandate, there is always a secondary vote on the company’s final offer so you have the opportunity to review and vote on what they’ve tabled before any job action takes place.

“A strong strike vote is about leverage and unity. It tells the employer that our members are paying attention, standing together, and expecting real movement at the table.”
— Thomas Hesse, President, UFCW Local 401

Preparing early helps ensure members have the information they need, understand the process, and feel confident participating when the time comes. High turnout matters, and it strengthens our position at the bargaining table.

Workers are experiencing a moment right now, and when we fight, we win! But every fight that workers win right now is preceded by a strong strike vote.



Start educating yourself now: Check out your union’s Provincial Strike Handbook to understand your rights, the process, and how to be ready for a potential strike in the future. 

Other Key Discussions: The New Sobeys App (Dayforce)

Sobeys plans to roll out a single mobile app (Dayforce) that would manage core employment functions, including payroll, benefits, scheduling, timekeeping, training, shift offers and swaps, and workplace communications.

We will soon share a short presentation based on feedback from Safeway Okotoks, where Dayforce has been piloted since October 2025, to help members understand how this system could impact their day-to-day work.
 

Black History Month: Recognition, Reflection, and Action

Black workers and Black communities are a vital part of Canadian history and our shared national experience. Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black people in our workplaces, communities, and union.

Within Safeway and your union, Black members help strengthen our union every day. During this month, we want to recognize Bargaining Committee members Deb Cadmus (Safeway Chestermere), Charmaine Sealy (Heritage Safeway), and Fred Newbold (Safeway Meadowlark) for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of racialized workers, including their efforts to push for stronger diversity and equity language at the bargaining table.

Black History Month is also a time to reflect on the ongoing reality of anti-Black racism and the systemic barriers Black workers continue to face. Challenging these inequities has always been part of the work of our union – through bargaining, our contracts, and member-led campaigns that fight for dignity and fairness at work.

Deb Cadmus, Fred Newbold and Charmaine Sealy are members of the Safeway Union Bargaining Team.

Members are encouraged to take part in Black History Month events across the province throughout February, support Black-led initiatives, and continue learning how we can all help build truly inclusive workplaces.

Check them out HERE

Stay Informed

For the latest updates:

• Visit the bargaining website: gounion.ca/safewaybargaining2025/
• Talk to your Shop Steward or Union Representative
• Bargaining Committee members are also available to answer questions

Next Round: April 14–16 in Calgary. Come see bargaining in action – your presence shows Sobeys we’re united, informed, and ready to fight for fair wages!

Posted on: February 08,2026