Dear Safeway Saskatchewan Employees,

As you know, unionized employees in Saskatchewan have been without an agreement since June 2014.  To date, Safeway and the RWDSU have been unable to reach a deal through the collective bargaining process.

Meanwhile, our company continues to face an uncertain and unsustainable financial situation.

Earlier this week, we met with the Union to bring them up to speed on Safeway’s financial situation and to discuss a return to the bargaining table.

During our meetings, Safeway and the Union agreed to reach out to Vince Ready, a well-respected mediator, to assist us in future talks.

In the mediation process, Mr. Ready would help Safeway and the Union resolve their differences and reach a middle-ground that results in a new collective agreement.  If the parties are unable to reach agreement on all outstanding issues, then Mr. Ready would prepare written recommendations on any unresolved issue.

We believe that this is a positive step that may help Safeway and the Union break the current bargaining impasse and reach a new collective agreement.

The parties are now in the process of arranging dates for mediation.  We will keep you informed about next steps as more details become available.

Larry Tholl,

VP Safeway Operations for Saskatchewan