Alberta judge rules on picketing in front of Safeway stores…
Union wins! Freedom of Expression still matters in Alberta!
While striking Sobeys Warehouse workers have ended their job action, there are some significant outcomes from that strike that all our members need to be aware of.
As many of you will have seen, Sobeys Warehouse workers began picketing outside of Safeway stores and handing out leaflets after winning the right to do so at the Labour Relations Board. Not surprisingly, Sobeys quickly sought to stop them.
This is not the first time Sobeys has tried to silence workers when they express views the company dislikes. Sobeys is suing your union over commercials we ran, which discuss the unfair treatment their employees have faced over the past few years.
The company’s efforts against both Sobeys Warehouse and Safeway employees are examples of their willingness to gag their own workers despite a so-called “Speak Freely” policy the company touts as part of its commitment to building “better workplaces.”
At the Court of King’s Bench, Sobeys sought a stay against the Labour Board’s decision to stop picketing Sobeys Warehouse workers, arguing that the decision was unreasonable and causing irreparable harm to their business.
Justice Feasby ultimately disagreed with the company on both counts.
You can read Justice Feasby’s decision by clicking here.
Feasby noted that the company’s evidence of harm came entirely from management and included no statements from actual employees. Feasby went on to note that the employees’ union, UFCW Local 401, had expressed support for the strike.
That argument highlights the important impact that solidarity between unions can have in strengthening our respective fights.
Additionally, Feasby argued that while the picketing may cause harm to Sobeys’ business, disallowing Sobeys Warehouse workers from picketing would cause even more harm by trampling their constitutional right to Freedom of Expression.
This is an argument that your union has repeatedly made, and it is good to see a judge recognizing the importance of workers’ charter rights, especially in the aftermath of the government infringing on teachers’ rights by legislating them back to work.
Shortly after Justice Feabsy’s decision was released, the company settled the dispute with Sobeys Warehouse workers.
While we have not seen the details of the settlement, these developments serve as an important reminder that when we stand together in strength and solidarity, we can achieve victories against even the biggest businesses.
Posted on: November 10,2025