Union prepares strike vote and strike contingency

Unfortunately, after almost a year of bargaining, Sobeys still has not put an offer on the table to settle a new union contract.

Your union has been extremely patient, as have you.

We have presented television commercials to place pressure on the company. We have protested in Nova Scotia, near the Sobeys Family’s homes and Head Office.

We have advised Sobeys of a potential boycott supported by teachers, nurses, public servants, and the entire Alberta labour movement.

There’s only so much we can do. They just keep saying no.

We believe that the only option left will be a strike vote, and we are preparing as such.

Bargaining continues with the assistance of a government-appointed mediator during the week of August 17, 2026.

If the company makes a meaningful offer, we will have decisions to make. However, if they do not, a strike vote seems inevitable.

In order for a strike vote to take place, certain legal requirements must be met. While the strike vote is supervised and must be approved by the Alberta Labour Relations Board, the arrangements to take it must be made by your union.

Our contingency is a strike vote in September, with in-person voting at a variety of polling stations across the province.

A strong strike vote is very important.

After the strike vote, bargaining will typically recommence. When a company sees that employees are threatening not to come to work, it often incentivizes them to negotiate and to put an offer on the table.

Before a strike occurs, there will be another vote.

Employees will have a choice to make. Do I take Sobeys’ offer, or do I go on strike?

There are many moving parts in the negotiation process. There are laws that apply. The Alberta government could get involved.

If there were to be a strike, a possible target date is the week before Thanksgiving. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves.

Stand strong, vote yes in the strike vote if one occurs, and send a message to Sobeys that you and your family matter!

Posted on: July 31,2026