Update: Sobeys Gas Bar Sale Finalized
Important Update for Sobeys Gas Bar Members
As you know, late last year, Shell Canada, a subsidiary of Canadian Mobility Services (CMS), signed an agreement to purchase 56 fuel and convenience store sites, which are co-located with Sobeys operated stores across Western Canada and Ontario. On July 30th of this year, this sale was finalized, and CMS is now your new employer.
As such, CMS has reached out to your union and tell us they are in the process of reviewing your Collective Agreement. As we have reported to you in a previous update, there will be no changes to the protections, rights, and compensation you currently enjoy in your union contract. Your UFCW 401 bargaining committee intends to continue pursuing your demands in contract talks with your new employer to reach a fair deal that is acceptable to the membership.
Our commitment to all gas bar employees remains firm.
CMS tells us that they look forward to meeting with union representatives to “discuss [the] new relationship”, and that they recognize your union, UFCW Local 401, “as the exclusive bargaining agents of the represented employees.”
“While we are encouraged they have reached out in a timely fashion after the close of the sale, they will have to show us at the bargaining table they are prepared to provide significant improvements to your working conditions, compensation, and benefits,” says President Thomas Hesse. “Deeds, not words.”
We are currently in the process of updating our certificates to reflect the new employer’s name to secure your union membership and will be notifying CMS of our intent to begin contract talks with them.
We will keep you updated as this process evolves. In the meantime, if you have any questions at all, please contact your Union Labour Relations Officer. They can be reached at: 1-800-252-7975.
Solidarity,
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: August 28,2023