Safeway Workers In Alberta Endorse New Union Contract With Sobeys By 91%, Avoiding Strike
CALGARY, AB – Safeway workers across Alberta, represented by UFCW Local 401, have overwhelmingly endorsed a new five-year union contract with Sobeys after a 10-day voting period.
Approximately 6,000 Safeway workers were eligible to vote, with 91% voting in favour of the agreement, avoiding the strike action that had been scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. on October 7.
The new deal with Sobeys includes a significant number of improvements for Safeway workers with respect to wages, benefits, and cross-training opportunities that will lead to more available hours for part-time workers.
Additionally, this contract brings new language that ensures workers are treated with dignity and respect, as well as new provisions for paid time off for Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The contract also includes a new provision for an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and protections for freedom of expression in the workplace. Recognizing the largely female workforce, the new contract guarantees access to free period products, an important recognition of the needs of workers who menstruate and a benefit that is currently guaranteed by law only in Manitoba.
Critically, this agreement also includes a condition that the company will withdraw its Supreme Court of Canada action against their workers, thus allowing them to keep the 10% wage increase that was won by their union during the wage reopener process. Most workers will receive a $2,000 signing bonus and a cumulative wage increase of 18% over the life of the agreement. Junior employees will receive a $500 signing bonus, wage increases, and new funding for their union dental, health and welfare benefit plans. It is remarkable that even part-time workers have access to benefits without any obligation to co-pay.
Perhaps the most noteworthy clause in this agreement comes in the form of significantly improved job security for Safeway workers. The company is now required to consult with a committee of Safeway workers and UFCW Local 401 in the event corporate offices are considering closing any Alberta locations to find alternatives to either keep the store open or honour the collective agreement in the event of a store conversion. Additionally, and importantly, the company has guaranteed that no Safeway store will be converted to a discount banner with diminished service. Albertans will continue to enjoy the smiles, personal service and warmth they have come to expect from the full-service Safeway banner.
“This deal is an expression of the value of collective action and having a union. In most jobs, if you are unhappy, you have little choice but to quit. With a union, there is a real opportunity—and a legally protected right—to stand up for yourself and make your workplace better. In a unionized workplace, you can threaten to strike and have some power. There will be no strike at Safeway, but it is certainly worth noting that employees’ united voices led to higher wages, better benefits and real job security,” explained UFCW Local 401 President Thomas Hesse.
With the Safeway agreement now accepted, the union is inviting non-union grocery workers across Alberta to organize and join UFCW Local 401 to fight for better wages, job security and a stronger voice at work.
“It makes no sense that the people stocking grocery shelves and working as cashiers struggle to afford the groceries they sell,” said Hesse. “Workers deserve better wages, job security and a voice on the job. We’re inviting non-union grocery workers to stand together, organize and build the power they need to win a better deal.”
UFCW Local 401 is encouraging workers at Sobeys, No Frills and other non-union grocery stores to talk with their co-workers about organizing and to contact Local 401 directly. Union workers have the strength to bargain collectively for better wages, benefits, hours and working conditions rather than facing their bosses alone.The new agreement with Safeway workers will expire in 2030.
Posted on: October 03,2026