A sensible response to Safeway’s dance

As part of Safeway’s ongoing manipulation, they are dancing again. Local 401 and its lawyers are investigating Safeway’s intimidation and manipulation.

Over 80% of Safeway employees have expressed concerns about this. In consultation with our lawyers, your union has filed a stay application at the Alberta Court of Appeal to stop Safeway’s threats.

We have also said that the outcome of the application could affect the voting process. Voting must be free of undue Company influence.

But you should come out and vote. In fact, it is very important that you do in order to send Safeway a strong message.

The best approach is to ensure that we reach for our courage and overcome Safeway’s bullying.

Make sure you take a few moments to fill out our latest survey!

What if, in the next two weeks, Safeway’s threats continue and become even more intimidating? The fact of the matter is that decision-makers like the Labour Board sometimes review the validity of the voting process if an employer’s behavior has been over the top.

We’ve asked Safeway to stop bullying their staff to ensure that any voting result is valid. But they just can’t seem to help themselves. Safeway doesn’t talk. Safeway manipulates and tries to confuse you. They are dancing.

The best way to view Safeway’s offer is from a simple business point of view

They have a business. To them, you are a number. They want to reduce their labour costs.

You have a business; it’s called your household. You sell your labour to Safeway. Are they giving you a good deal?

Can you run the business of your household with what they have offered you over the next four years?

• Can you pay your rent?
• Can you pay your mortgage?
• Can you afford to buy groceries?
• Can you pay for gas and auto insurance?
• Can you keep your home heated and the lights on?
• Can you pay your tuition?
• Can you save money for emergencies?
• Can you save for retirement?
• Can you enjoy life?
• Are you nervous about the incredible uncertainties in the economy over the next four years?
• Does the Company offer reassure you and help with your mental health?

A new union poll says that only 5.7% of union members view the Company offer positively

Your business matters. You are a human being. Safeway needs to find a balance between their business and your business.

Safeway employees are telling us that voting yes is a bad business decision for them. It might be a good business deal for Sobeys. That’s why they are urging you to vote yes. But it is a bad business deal for thousands of workers.

That’s the simplest and bluntest truth about this vote

Safeway needs to stop dancing and look for a fair deal that recognizes that you are their business partners. Partnerships are fair and serve both parties’ economic interests.

Should I be worried about Safeway reducing my wage or trying to recoup my money?

Polling reveals that only 5.7% of Safeway union members view the Company offer positively. The movement to vote no is very strong. But top-rate and overscale employees are feeling anxious.

Will Safeway try to reduce your wage or recoup money from you?

If Safeway attempts to do this, it will be a disaster for them. Customers will turn on them in unprecedented numbers. It would be a public relations disaster, and it would be a disaster for workplace morale.

Your union will use every legal mechanism available to oppose such a move. We are already going to the Alberta Court of Appeal in two ways to ask the Court to remove this threat.

Union lawyers advise that if the Company wants money back from you, they are going to have to ask for it.

Safeway may try to reduce your wage. But retrieving money could be very hard for them. In order to get it, you would have to agree to give it back in writing.

Just say no! Do not agree to give it back!

Make sure you take a few moments to fill out our latest survey!

When Safeway employees say no to paying any money back, the Company will be forced to file a grievance.

As you know, the wheels of the legal system turn slowly, and that grievance will take months to be dealt with or be heard in arbitration. Your union will have lawyers to represent your interests and cover all associated costs.

By then, we will likely be back at the bargaining table.

The bottom line is that to best protect and advance your rights, you need to say no twice. Say no to the Company offer and then say no if they attempt to get money back from you!

Safeway employees are tough. They went to work during the pandemic. Safeway took away $2 an hour in hero pay. Safeway employees are saying enough is enough. They will stand strong.

Union lawyers are currently working on this. Stand by for more information.

If you choose to fight back, we will be by your side!de!

Posted on: January 15,2025