SAFEWAY’S OFFER IS SO BAD THEY HAVE TO RELY ON FEAR AND INTIMIDATION!
As online voting commences, and Safeway employees have a decision to make, they want to base that decision on the facts. Unfortunately, even as the final ballots are cast, Sobeys just can’t help themselves: they rely on fear-mongering and manipulation.
Will you let them bully you even at the last minute?
Sobeys has been known to engage in union-busting in Canada. It is sad that they can’t show a little bit of grace at a time like this. They have no class. They say that their offer is terrific, but instead of letting you make a decision about that based on the actual offer, they bring sleazy union-busting techniques to this process.
The law recognizes that captive audience meetings, employer interference in union processes, defaming a union and other such actions are improper and unlawful. It is unfortunate that since Safeway’s takeover by Sobeys, they choose to act more like Walmart or Cargill than the respected brand that Safeway used to be.
No-one should be surprised that Sobey’s lawyers are also Cargill’s lawyers; if you Google Cargill you will discover that they are sometimes described as the worst company in the world. It is a decision of strength to vote NO. But it is also a sad decision. As one long time Safeway worker says: “This isn’t the company that it used to be”.
Incidentally, Safeway is suggesting to you that there will be no more bargaining. This is just a plain LIE. And they know that. Under Alberta law your union contract hasn’t even expired yet. If the offer is rejected, we will give the company a notice to commence bargaining under the Alberta Labour Relations Code. That law requires that Sobeys meet with us within 30 days and it also requires that we exchange all of our bargaining proposals within 15 days. And also requires that the company make any reasonable effort to meet with us in an ongoing basis and bargain in good faith.
The Labour Relations Code also give you the right to take a strike vote and threaten to withdraw your labour. Safeway is trying to trick you to voting YES so they don’t have to engage in real bargaining and comply with the Alberta Labour Code.
Finally, let’s be clear. Local 401 is committed to a free and fair vote with all of the protections and principals associated with democratic validity. But any free and fair vote is no longer free and fair if there has been undue intimidation and coercion. In Third World countries, voting processes are often corrupted by evil influencers. Some Safeway employees have expressed strong concerns about Safeway’s improper behaviour. If the validity of this vote is jeopardized in any way, it is because of what Safeway has done.
Online Voting for the Safeway Contract Offer is OPEN!
Today marks the start of the online voting period for the Safeway contract offer! Your voice matters, and we want to make sure you have every opportunity to cast your vote. Below are the key details.
Online Voting Period:
Today, January 22: Ballots will be issued until 8:00 PM.
Tomorrow, January 23: Voting continues from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Last Chance to Vote: No ballots will be issued after 8:00 PM tomorrow. Voting will close at 11:59 PM.
How to Vote Online: You can vote online through a secure, individual email sent directly to you.
Important: You must update your contact information in order to receive your ballot. Update your contact information here.
What to Expect from the Online Vote
✅ Third-Party Privacy
This vote is managed by a licensed third party. UFCW Local 401 will not know or see how you vote.
✅ Voting Period
The online voting window is open from January 22 at 12:01 AM to January 23 at 11:59 PM.
✅ How It Works
At or around 12:01 AM on January 22, you will receive an email from noreply@motionmeetings.co with a unique, secure voting link. This link is specific to you and cannot be shared.Simply click the link to access the voting portal and cast your ballot.
🔔 Pro Tip: Check your spam/junk folders, as some email providers may filter emails from noreply@motionmeetings.co.
What If You Don’t Get Your Ballot?
Check Your Email: If you don’t see your email ballot, first contact support@motionmeetings.co for assistance.
Still No Ballot? If you’re not on the list provided to Motion Meetings, email ufcw@ufcw401.ab.ca with the following details:
First Name
Last Name
At which store do you work?
Email
Phone Number
⚠️ Important: Ballots will only be issued between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Your Vote, Your Voice – Together, Let’s Fight for a #FairCheckout!
In Solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: January 22,2025