Sobeys Celebrates Profits While They Fight You In Court
As bargaining resumes with Safeway this week, we wanted to share this quote from last week’s release from Safeway’s parent company, Empire Co., about their profits in 2026.
“We delivered a solid finish to fiscal 2026, with adjusted EPS growth of 27 per cent, reflecting disciplined execution and continued progress against our strategic priorities,” said Pierre St-Laurent, President & CEO, Empire. “As we enter fiscal 2027, our focus remains on driving growth within our existing network, advancing key growth engines, and continuing to elevate our value proposition for customers in what remains a challenging economic environment.”
This statement is further evidence that Sobeys is not prioritizing its Safeway workers. As they celebrate a 27% increase for shareholders, Sobeys continues to fight your union-won wage increases in court, applying to the Supreme Court to claw back those wage increases back again.
These share values are not the result of “disciplined execution and continued progress” – they are realized off the backs of hardworking people like you. It is Safeway workers who keep shelves stocked and customers happy.
This is why we have applied for mediation in bargaining. Sobeys seems intent on avoiding a meaningful discussion about the issues that matter to Safeway workers.
Your union will not allow them to keep dodging that discussion.
”Everyone wants Safeway to be successful, including the workers themselves,” says UFCW 401 President Thomas Hesse. “But that success needs to include everyone, not just shareholders who are able to avoid the sharpest sting of the affordability crisis.”
”We have asked this before, and I will ask it again – when will Sobeys come to the bargaining table prepared to address the issues identified by their workers and make a meaningful effort to bargain and reach an agreement that meets our members’ needs?” concludes Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart.
We will continue to review this disclosure and the Sobeys annual report (expected to be released on or about July 31, 2026), as we believe there will be further proof that the only people that stand to gain from these profits are shareholders and executives, not the workers and customers that make their success possible.
Your Safeway Union Bargaining Team will be at the table with Sobeys from June 22 to 24, at the Courtyard Marriott Calgary Airport. We believe in open bargaining, and we welcome any member who wants to attend and witness negotiations unfold in person.
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: June 23,2026