Answering your questions about the Company’s threats…

ATTENTION: Top-Rate and Overscale Safeway Employees!

The trend is clear. We’re working to address your anxieties.

A growing number of members are expressing concerns about Sobeys’ threats to roll wages back and attempt to recoup previous increases. Here are some questions and answers on that issue to give you some certainty as Safeway members get ready to vote.

Question #1
Sobeys has threatened to do it. Will they?

Unfortunately, we believe that Sobey’s threat should be taken seriously. They have repeated this threat a number of times. It is important that we have a clear strategy to deal with it.

Polling reveals that only 5.7% of employees like the Company offer. Many predict that it will be strongly rejected.

Question #2
Is it “legal” for Sobeys to do this?

We don’t believe that it will ultimately be “legal” for Sobeys to do this. They rely on a Court decision that we seek to overturn at the Alberta Court of Appeal. We are also going to the Court of Appeal to stop them from doing this.

Unfortunately, these two actions won’t happen quickly. If Sobeys rolls wages back or asks to take money away and any of that actually happens, it could be that they’ll have to give it all back to you by virtue of a Court of Appeal decision.

Remember, if you accept the Company offer, Sobeys has said that all these legal actions must be withdrawn by your union.

Question #3
Regardless of legalities, isn’t it unethical for the Company to go after its own employees? Won’t there be consequences for them if they do so?

It is both unethical and disgusting for a wealthy and successful company to go after its own hardworking employees during an affordability crisis. They called you heroes and then took away your hero pay.

However, many believe it is also a very bad business decision. Safeway’s business model is based on a high level of service. It’s their employees who serve the customer.

If the Company makes good on its threat, employees will be completely alienated, and their morale will be destroyed. Productivity will surely suffer, and employees’ demeanor will be even more deflated at a time when mental health has already deteriorated.

One can only hope that Sobeys will reflect on this if they see a strong no vote and retreat from their ridiculous and unethical approach.

Question #4
Why is Sobeys doing this?

There’s no doubt that Sobeys is trying to push you to vote yes. That’s because their offer serves their interests. It ensures substandard wages for four years and takes away your right to even threaten a strike.

Voting yes could also solve all their legal problems and send a message of weakness such that Sobeys could push you around for the next four years.

Unfortunately, we believe that Sobeys is treating you like a number. We are reminded of Sobeys’ bungled takeover of Safeway and the bad decisions they made at that time. They were broadly criticized in the Financial Post and the Globe and Mail as a poorly managed company.

Has Sobeys lost their sense of perspective again? Profits are important to business, but Sobeys seems to be drunk on the money and has forgotten about the important partnership that they must have and foster with their own employees.

Question #5
I’m going to vote no, but will my union be there to help me deal with Sobeys?

The answer is a resounding yes. Union lawyers and advocates are on standby and are preparing for this contingency. We are going to be releasing a special toll-free number for you to call in case Sobeys acts on their threat in any way.

Also, be assured that customers and the public will be made aware of Sobeys’ offensive and outrageous actions.

Question #6
If Sobeys asks me to repay money, what should I do?

Sobeys’ behaviour is hard to predict. But if they ask you to repay money, our legal advice is clear. At this point in time, you should just say no and refuse to sign anything. 

While these facts are unusual, the law seems to say that in order for Sobeys to get any money back from you, you would have to agree to that and sign documents reflecting your agreement.
When employees say no to Sobeys, the Company will have to file a grievance on its own behalf.

The union will fight that grievance with its lawyers on your behalf and all legal costs associated with that will be paid for by your union.

That matter will take months to resolve and by that time, hopefully, we will have had some other positive legal outcomes, and we will most certainly be in negotiations for a new contract.

Question #7
How should this affect my thinking about the Company offer?

This is just another reason to vote no to the Company offer. The only way to really oppose all of this and a bad deal for you for the next four years is to stand up to the Company and try to negotiate a better deal.

Voting yes is a surrender.

There is a risk that Sobeys is going to try to roll back your wage and recoup money from you. But the risks associated with voting yes are much greater as your fate will be decided for the next four years and you’ll have no way to fight back.

Question #8
But all of this gives me anxiety. What should I do?

Safeway employees are tough, and they are strong. You went to work during the pandemic and had to suffer the insult of Safeway calling you heroes while later taking away your hero pay.

The affordability crisis and Sobeys’ conduct are hurting your mental health even more. Please contact your union if you are struggling with mental health issues so we can refer you to agencies and benefits that can assist you.

But there is a point at which fighting back is part of the antidote to anxiety. Taking control of your future and drawing a line in the sand is empowering and can give you a sense of strength and agency.

It’s time to find that strength and courage.

Your union will be right there by your side, as will thousands of your coworkers who are poised to say no to the Company offer and to say no to their threats.

Posted on: January 16,2025