Last week, the Company’s bargaining committee and UFCW 401 were back at the table to resume collective bargaining. We’re committed to continue keeping you informed with our progress at the table.

Discussions largely surrounded health and safety within the Safeway work environment. Our conversations focused on store security, customer interactions and health and safety concerns.

Earlier this month, we shared details with you regarding multiple enhancements to store security within the Alberta Safeway network. The health and safety of our teammates and our customers will always be our top priority. We’re pleased that UFCW 401 shares this view. We will continue taking all steps necessary to ensure that our stores remain a safe space for you.

While we were able to discuss these safety items that are important to us all, we were disappointed to see the leaflets that UFCW 401 has recently been sharing in our Safeway stores that question if our plans to turn around the company and win in our stores are working. Over the next five years, we’re prepared to invest $200 million into the Alberta Safeway network, with the right market factors and a collective agreement that allow us to effectively compete in the province.

We know that some of our full-service stores are operating in the wrong markets. In markets where our Safeway stores can’t win, we’re ready to introduce our proven discount model to customers. This will help us have a stronger, healthier store network overall, and connect better with our customers. We’re ready to execute a winning plan that will help turn our Alberta store network around.

We need to start looking forward, together. We’re optimistic that we can build a strong future for Safeway in Alberta. We are back at the negotiating table early in November and will continue to share updates from the table.