Month: October 2019

As we continue our focus on reducing plastic in our stores, we couldn’t be more excited to officially introduce our new reusable mesh produce bags in all Safeway stores. Our reusable produce bags not only cut down on the amount of single-use plastics nationally, but globally, as they’re made from plastic bottles recovered from the world’s oceans.

About the bags:

• Come in a pouch containing four reusable, black, see-through mesh bag (each weighing 10g)
• Dishwasher safe and machine washable
• Made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) with each bag comprised of 50% recycled plastic
• 5% of sales will be reinvested in water-related research and initiatives

As of August 2019, 1.9 million plastic bottles were recycled to make reusable mesh produce bags for all our banners. The rPET fabric used to make our reusable bags also has a carbon footprint 50% lower than organic cotton, and 75% lower than ordinary polyester. Plus, they require 86% less water and 70% less energy to produce than polyester. Pretty awesome, if you ask us!

Keep an eye out for reusable mesh produce bags in your store, and stay tuned to Safeway Talks for more sustainability success stories!

Team,

Like all of you, I was deeply saddened to hear of Doug O’Halloran’s passing. As President of UFCW 401, Doug served as the proud voice of 401 for more than 30 years and was a true partner. Doug provided his members with great support and guidance. Throughout his tenure, he significantly contributed to the labour movement and touched the lives of so many working families all across the province.

It goes without saying that Doug’s tenacity will always be well respected. Doug was a true leader – admired by many for his unwavering dedication to his members and his passion to advocate for them.

I’ve known Doug for more than 20 years and will always remember him for his respect for the labour process and true advocacy for his members. I know Doug will be remembered not only for the meaningful work he achieved, but also for the foundation he has laid for UFCW 401.

Our company mantra is that we are a family nurturing families and we know times like this can be incredibly difficult. On behalf of the entire Sobeys Inc. family, I send our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and friends during this difficult time.

 

Respectfully,

 

Simon Gagne

EVP, Human Resources

Sobeys Inc.

Safeway teammates,

As you know, we’ve been in collective bargaining with UFCW 401 since March. We’ve consistently kept you informed with open and honest updates from the bargaining table and have been clear about our objectives from the very beginning – securing a strong future for Safeway and meeting customer preferences by introducing FreshCo to the right Alberta markets. These goals have not, and will not, change.

Over the past week UFCW 401 has been distributing a survey in stores in preparation for a strike in Alberta.  We ask that you carefully consider what a strike will mean for Safeway. The retail climate in Alberta is challenging enough. Many of our stores continue to struggle. Know that if a strike takes effect, it could continue for a long time. This means frustrated customers, happy competitors, damage to our reputation, significant lost sales, no capital investment, and at the very core, teammates who are forced to disrupt their lives and face financial insecurity for their families. We also want to be clear that a strike will not solve the key issue we face – many of our Safeway stores are unprofitable simply due to the customers and the markets that they serve. Striking will simply worsen an already challenging situation.

A strike cannot and will not change the market in Alberta. It would simply distract all of us, on both sides of the table, from addressing the problems in our stores. And the longer we wait to solve them, the more difficult they become to solve. At some point, all strikes will end, and the issues before us will still exist.

We’re committed to winning at Safeway. We’ve been clear that there’s so much opportunity for Safeway in Alberta. We believe in the full service model and we’re prepared to continue investing in Safeway’s future – but we need a fair collective agreement and the right market factors to do so. We will continue to come to the bargaining table prepared to work towards a fair agreement and a smooth introduction of FreshCo. Just last week, employees voted to ratify an agreement for our Alberta Gas Bars. Progress is possible, and we’re dedicated to working with our Safeway teammates and UFCW 401 to accomplish a positive result for you, too.

We ask that you continue to trust in the collective bargaining process. Unfortunately, things like this sometimes take time. But rest assured that we are just as committed to a fair agreement as the day bargaining began.

Thank you for your continued hard work in our stores and patience through negotiations. Your Safeway pride never ceases to amaze us and we’re excited to continue driving growth together in Alberta. We will keep you up to date as bargaining progresses.

 

Scott Chollak

Vice President Operations, Alberta

Good morning team,

I know you’re all preparing for a busy day and Thanksgiving weekend ahead. We’re already seeing incredible store readiness and enthusiasm, and we have plans to visit several more stores. I can’t wait to see you all in action!

Thank you for continuously striving to exceed the expectations of every customer that chooses to spend their hard earned money in our stores. We appreciate your hard work and support not only this Thanksgiving weekend, but every day of the year. You continue to create incredible customer experiences and find new and unique ways to generate success.

Although Thanksgiving only comes once a year, I like to live with a spirit of gratitude. Have a very happy Thanksgiving enjoying quality time with friends and family.

 

All the best,

Scott

Vice President Operations, Alberta