Union Serves Notice to Bargain to Safeway/Sobeys

Attn: Safeway/Sobeys Members

We encourage you to check out your union’s notice to commence bargaining which was sent to your employer this past Friday, January 13th.  Providing this notice is not only a legal requirement but also serves to get the bargaining/negotiations process going.

As you will see, we are asserting our right to have all Sobeys stores in Alberta under the same union contract.  There are more than 100 non-union Sobeys grocery stores in Alberta and many of you have rightly pointed out that this must be addressed in bargaining, and we wholeheartedly agree.  So much so that we’ve come “out of the gate” with this assertion to your employer in our notice to bargain letter.  ALL Sobeys workers deserve union protection and this will be an important area of discussion at the bargaining table.  Our letter summarizes candidly our reasons for this and we hope you will check it out.

A non-union Sobeys store is a real threat to your job.  If they can sell the products you sell at a 30-40% less labour cost, they have an enormous incentive to invest in the non-union stores rather than in your store!

We also want to remind you that we are seeking your proposals for negotiations.  What is your wish list for changes and improvements to your workplace?  It’s urgent that we hear from you now

Safeway union bargaining strategy meetings will be scheduled in the very near future but there’s no need to wait for those.  Get your ideas for bargaining to us right away.  Your input is critical to the success of this process!  These special meetings will not only allow you to submit proposals, they will also provide you an opportunity to talk to your union officials and representatives about strategy and important issues relating to your day-to-day work life.  But don’t delay.  Get us your ideas for union contract improvements now.

Do you want to sit on the negotiating committee?  Tell us why you think you would be a natural fit for the negotiating committee.  We are looking for members from all corners of the province and all departments.  Spots are limited so don’t delay!

Would you like to sit on the union’s advisory committee?  If there is sufficient interest, there will be an advisory committee established.  This committee will meet from time to time to discuss union bargaining strategy but members wouldn’t be required to attend bargaining sessions.

You can contact us about negotiations any time at: bargaining@ufcw401.ab.ca should you have any questions about the process whatsoever.  Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact your Union Senior Labour Relations Officer (Union Rep) and they will be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have.  They can be reached at: 1-800-252-7975.

It’s more important now than ever to be speaking with one voice.  Together we will Say it to Safeway/Say it to Sobeys.

Posted on: January 18,2017