University Professors Support Safeway Workers!
Support for Safeway workers just keeps pouring in.
When we served notice to strike last week, we reminded the company that, as members of the Common Front, Safeway workers not only had the support of more than 30,000 UFCW Local 401 members behind them, but they also had the support of more than 300,000 unionized workers across the province.
Some of Alberta’s largest unions, including AUPE, UNA, HSAA, ATA, and CUPE, signed a letter saying that if a strike occurred at grocery stores in Alberta, they would urge their members not to shop at those stores until the strike was over.
Now, university professors are voicing their support!
This week, the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA) sent a letter to President Thomas Hesse expressing their support for Safeway workers.
“During an ongoing affordability crisis, it is unjust that the essential workers who keep our communities fed must go underpaid. Corporate success should be reflected in fair compensation,” writes Brenda Lang, President of the MRFA.
“As unionized workers in Alberta, we will always stand together. Should your members be forced onto the picket lines, we will actively mobilize our members to support UFCW 401. Supporting your picket lines is a given, and we will also encourage our membership to boycott these stores until a fair, negotiated settlement is reached,” concludes Lang.
You can read the full letter by clicking here.
No matter how the vote on the company’s offer unfolds, Safeway workers can rest assured they have the support of Alberta’s labour movement behind them.
Strike or settle, unionized workers stick together in strength and solidarity.
While rumors abound and there will be speculation about the vote outcome, if you haven’t yet voted, please consider the issues carefully and do so.
This is not a done deal. Some are very happy with the offer. Some simply want to avoid a strike. Others have significant discontent with the offer and may be ready to walk a picket line.
If the majority vote yes, there will be no strike. If the majority vote no, the strike will commence at 12:01 AM on October 7, 2026. Your union will be there for you and with you regardless of the outcome.
Make your voice heard in this important decision by casting your ballot before 8 PM on Friday, October 2, 2026!
Voting is easy and can be done anytime before the vote closes (October 2 at 8 PM), from wherever you want. Voting is online only, and we need your most up-to-date email address to send you a ballot link.
If you have not received an email with a ballot link or need support in order to vote, you can contact your union in three different ways:
- Call 1-855-HELP-401 (1-855-435-7401)
- Text 587-705-4973
- Email [email protected]
We will work to ensure that every member who wishes to cast a ballot has the opportunity to do so before 8 PM on Friday, October 2, 2026.
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: September 25,2026