Author: Daniela Travierso

Your vote matters. Exercise this right.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Since we began bargaining with UFCW 1518 and UFCW 247 earlier this year, it’s been our goal to ensure that you have all the information you need to stay up to date on progress.

We have learned that both Unions have made the disappointing choice to call strike votes in advance of our scheduled bargaining in September and October. We will continue to bargain in good faith. A strike vote will not change that.

On September 12 – 14, UFCW 1518 has asked you to cast your vote to authorize strike action. Dates for UFCW 247 bargaining unit members will be announced soon. No matter what your opinion is on the strike vote, it’s important that you’re fully informed and get your questions answered by attending the strike vote meeting and casting your vote.

Not voting means you’re leaving a critical decision about your job in the hands of others.

Your Store Manager may be able to answer your questions if you have any. Also, if you have any scheduling issues that impact your ability to attend the Union meeting, please speak to your Store Manager, who may be able to help.

Your vote matters, please exercise this right to make your voice heard.

A strike vote will not impact our approach to bargaining. We remain committed to working collaboratively with both Unions and bargaining committees to reach an agreement that balances the needs of our teammates and our business.

Thank you for continuing to support one another and our customers during this process.

Safeway is proudly sponsoring the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary!

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Explore Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities at the 2024 Winter Games.

We’re excited to announce that Safeway will be a platinum level sponsor of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary, taking place February 27 – March 2, 2024, continuing our longstanding support for the Special Olympics movement. As part of this commitment, we’re proud to sponsor the “Athlete Zones” at each competition venue and hotel, providing athletes with nourishing food options and snacks. Safeway will also present the Safeway Champions Celebration event on the final day of the Games.

We invite you to join us as a volunteer at the 2024 Special Olympics Winter Games. This is your chance to make a real impact while enjoying a unique perspective of the Games. There’s a variety of roles, dates, and times available to fit your schedule.

To apply, simply submit your application online and be sure to indicate that you’re a Safeway teammate. We suggest that you apply soon as volunteer spots may fill up. Once you apply, you’ll start receiving monthly email updates and instructions on completing training, a basic criminal record check, and in some cases, a vulnerable sector check. You will be able to self-schedule your Winter Games volunteer shifts, allowing for flexibility and convenience.

Join us in making the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary a resounding success! We’re grateful for your ongoing support and dedication to creating a positive impact in our community.

For more information on the Games, please visit calgary2024.specialolympics.ca.

Why is bargaining taking so long?

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We’ve been bargaining with UFCW 1518 and your bargaining committee since January of this year.

We are now in a critical phase of these talks that will hopefully lead us to a modernized and competitive collective agreement. We need a deal that works for our company, and for you — our teammates — and will allow Safeway to be successful.

We want to set the record straight on recent communications from UFCW 1518:

  • We value our teammates and have always treated them with the utmost respect.
  • We remain committed to reaching a fair and competitive collective agreement with UFCW 1518 and your bargaining committee. We’ve agreed to additional dates in September with UFCW 1518 where we hope to reach an agreement.

We also want to be clear that:

  • There’s been significant developments in the industry including a new settlement between UFCW 1518 and Save-On-Foods. This is a major development and our company must take the time required to fully analyze the costs and impact of this settlement and the potential impact on the Safeway network.
  • Safeway is not the same as Save-On-Foods. Save-On-Foods is a privately held company with no public visibility on their operations or financial performance. However, what we do know is that they have three times the number of stores and market share in B.C. compared to Safeway.
  • Save-On-Foods is not our only competitor. Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore are major competitors in the industry and they benefit from a much less expensive labour cost structure than Safeway does.
  • It’s no secret that British Columbia is facing a challenging and uncertain economic environment.
  • We have many terms in our collective agreement that don’t exist elsewhere which make it more expensive to run our stores and more difficult to compete in the industry. We need a competitive deal that will help Safeway compete into the future.

We look forward to working with UFCW 1518 and your bargaining committee on collaborative solutions for these challenges as we seek to achieve a fair, modern and competitive collective agreement.

We’ll continue to keep you up to date on progress.

Safeway is bringing the heat to celebrate summer

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Eye-catching signage. Seasonal fresh produce. Freshly baked pies. Meat and seafood ready for the grill.

It’s undeniable that the sights and smells of summer touch every corner of our stores.

From colourful and unique in-store displays to cake creations that look too beautiful to eat, you’re doing an incredible job elevating our customers’ shopping experience.

A big shoutout to each of you for your dedication and creativity in inspiring customers to get out and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Happy summer y’all!

Kitsilano Safeway (Vancouver, B.C.)

Lawson Heights Safeway (Saskatoon, SK)

Lloydminster Safeway (AB)

McBride Safeway (New Westminster, B.C.)

Kensington Safeway (Calgary, AB)

English Bay Safeway (Vancouver, B.C.)

Final Offer Selection: Know the Facts

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

With the Final Offer Selection approaching next week, the parties agreed to share our final positions in advance of arbitration. We thought you would be eager to learn this news.

The Company’s offer is as follows: a $1,000 lump sum and a 1.5% wage increase in year one and a 2% wage increase in year two for top rated and overscale employees, as per the current collective agreement. We feel this offer is in line with the competitive environment of our industry and the current economic conditions that we’re facing. We’re battling hard to attract customers, not scare them away, who decide each week where to shop and spend their hard-earned money.

We also received the Union’s final position. Their offer calls for increases of 5% in each of the remaining years of the contract for top rated and overscale employees. This would put us in a difficult competitive disadvantage. The Union’s offer also represents a significant retreat from their previous positions advanced at bargaining which had called for the reinstatement of pandemic pay, increases to the employee discount, and raises for all employees.

While we’re not in agreement with the Union’s final position, we wish they had advanced similar proposals that were in line with the agreed terms and conditions of the Final Offer Selection process set out in the collective agreement earlier, so that we may have had more productive discussions at the bargaining table.

We will keep you informed about next steps following arbitration.

The way people shop continues to evolve. We must adapt to succeed.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We returned to bargaining in June with UFCW 1518 and the bargaining committee. We made some minor progress, but we’re concerned about the lack of understanding of the changes and pressures in our industry and how this impacts our collective agreements.

It’s clear that our customers and communities continue to change and so too are their shopping behaviours.

B.C. families are budget conscious and looking for the best value and it’s no surprise that discount competitors are attracting more customers. Customers are buying down and this has negative impacts on full-service grocery retailer sales, market share and basket size.

Since the end of the pandemic, we’ve also seen customer shopping patterns shifting from demanding one-stop shop locations to shopping at many locations and formats to get the lowest prices.

We’ve been impacted by these changes in shopping patterns.

We’re also facing added pressure from other grocery and wholesale club competitors all seeking customer loyalty in an effort to increase their sales. Customers have limited budgets and need to decide carefully where to spend their hard-earned money.

So how can Safeway compete?

  • We focus on serving our customers and running profitable stores. We need to drive sales and control our expenses to grow our business. The 7% increase in minimum wage in June was a significant cost to our business. And while we’re committed to rewarding you appropriately for your hard work, we must ensure it doesn’t jeopardize the profitability of our stores. Also, with any increases to wages we need to make sure we can compete within our industry and in this province.
  • We need to address areas of competitive disadvantage. Operational constraints like an absence of vendor stocking language, complicated scheduling practices, and an inability to effectively introduce third party kiosks, have made it difficult for us to compete with the rest of the industry which doesn’t have these restrictions.
  • We win together. We have to work together to beat the competition by providing exceptional value and service to our customers every time they come through our front door and spend a portion of their household budgets with us. In addition, the Company has prioritized creating a model for meaningful full-time jobs and a path for development for teammates who want to build their careers at Safeway.
  • We continue investing. We have, and will continue to, invest in updating some of our current stores by giving them a much-needed facelift to strengthen the Safeway brand and better serve our customers.

Since 2018, we’ve come a long way as a team and we need to keep focusing on managing our business both in terms of investments and controllable costs to ensure we can keep the Safeway banner viable and healthy in this province.

We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the Union and your bargaining committee. There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we can get it done by working together.

Keep checking in with us for business updates on SafewayTalks.ca.

Safeway Local Supplier Spotlight: Chiwis

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Safeway is proud to support local suppliers across British Columbia as part of our commitment to ensuring that great Canadian products are always on our shelves. This is why we were thrilled to sit down with Sarah Goodman, founder and CEO of Chiwis.

We spoke to Sarah about the spark that ignited the idea for Chiwis, her commitment to sustainability, and how Safeway has supported the company’s growth.

Can you share a little bit about your background and how your company came to be?

It all started with the kiwi chip. I began making kiwi chips to bring on hikes, camping trips, or to eat on the couch during a good Netflix session. After years of hearing feedback from friends and family that kiwi chips tasted like healthy sour patch kids, and that they would buy kiwi chips if they were available in stores, I realized I had a unique product on my hands that I didn’t see on store shelves.

Chiwis launched in early 2021 with our Original Kiwi Chip and Tropical Kiwi Chip varieties. We now have a lineup of five flavours of 100% natural fruit chips with more fun ideas being tested at our snack factory in Squamish, B.C.

Can you tell us more about your products?

Chiwis are vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free and mess-free! We work with farmers to make Chiwis from upcycled fruit, and we use the whole fruit (core, rind, skin) in our chips. This has two benefits: we cut down on food waste, and our customers enjoy the added benefits of the vitamins and fibre found in parts of the fruit you normally wouldn’t enjoy eating.

In what ways have your local B.C. roots impacted your business?

I was always looking for healthy, light snacks to take with me on hikes and overnight camping adventures while exploring our beautiful province. Chiwis were directly inspired by my inability to find a healthy, additive-free option that was fibre filled to keep me energized on my B.C. adventures. It’s been incredible growing my business here. The B.C. food industry is such a supportive, positive space to be a part of.

As your business began to grow, why were you interested in working with Safeway?

It was a big goal of ours to work with Safeway because your team has such an incredible reputation with consumers for delivering high quality foods. We also saw how supportive Safeway was to their local suppliers and knew it would be a great fit.

What did it feel like when you saw your products on Safeway shelves for the first time?

It was absolutely a pinch me moment! The store I walked into also gave us such a beautiful display at the front of the store. Our bright bags are a great addition to front-of-store displays regardless of the season, and it blew me away to see the creativity that the store was able to conjure up using a product I had developed from an idea to the shelf.

What makes you most proud to partner with Safeway? 

I’m most proud of having our product on Safeway shelves because of the high reputation for quality foods the Safeway name carries. We know your customers put so much trust in your brand, and it’s an honour to be found amongst your amazing selection.

What growth has your company seen since partnering with Safeway?

We’re based in Squamish, B.C., so having our products in your stores in different regions of the province has helped us expand our consumer base. It was also amazing to be featured in your International Women’s Day signs on March 8. We had many customers and business partners reach out to say they saw us featured that month and it was fantastic exposure for our Certified Woman-Owned Business. We also love participating in store manager events, like the one that recently took place in Whistler.

What’s next for you and your business?

We’re working hard on testing new innovative chip varieties and working on a very fun vegan sweet treat for the holidays. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @chiwis_snacks to stay up to date with all things happening at Chiwis.

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Chiwis is now available in 15 Safeway stores throughout B.C. (with more to come!). Be sure to try this yummy, healthy fruit snack for yourself — if you haven’t already.

Loving the Safeway Local Supplier Spotlights? Lucky for you, there’s more coming soon.

Committed to fair bargaining

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We are disappointed, but not surprised, to see the most recent communication from the Union that states the Company is acting unethically and lying during negotiations. This is completely inappropriate and false. The Company is simply following the language in the collective agreement.

In advance of this wage reopener, the Company communicated to the Union that we intended to only address the top of scale and overscale wages. This is what is clearly stated in the collective agreement that was negotiated in good faith with the Union and ratified by our employees.

The Union leadership on the other hand would prefer to disregard the collective agreement and what they agreed to in 2020.

The Union is stating that the Company refused to move off its initial monetary position, which is false. The TRUTH is that the Company asked the Union for their wage proposal and the Union refused to provide one. After three days of bargaining, the Company still does not know what wage percentages the Union is asking for. For a wage reopener of this nature, we would have expected to have this information by now.

We are hopeful that we will receive this information at the beginning of bargaining on June 28 so we can have meaningful discussions and attempt to come to a negotiated settlement.

Wage reopener bargaining update

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

For three days last week, we were at the table for the Safeway retail wage reopener with your Union. The Company came prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue and made a monetary proposal early in the process. At the end of the three-day bargaining period, the Union had yet to make a proposal, which is disappointing to say the least.

In discussions with store managers and store employees, we have heard that there is some confusion around what is up for negotiations during this round of bargaining, so we want to clarify.

In the last round of bargaining, the Company and the Union agreed to specific language that addressed the wage reopener for 2023 negotiations. The language is as follows:

Within six (6) months immediately preceding August 6, 2023, either party may give notice to the other party to negotiate changes to the top rated and over-scale wage rates, lump sum payments to top rated or over-scale employees, or no change at all in the current Collective Agreement. These changes will not be in effect prior to August 6, 2023.

The above noted language was then voted through by employees. The Company has been very clear that we intend to follow the wage reopener language.

The Company has advised the Union that if we do not receive a written counter proposal when we meet again on June 28, 2023, then we will proceed directly to Final Offer Selection, as per the Collective Agreement. The Company is hopeful that we can engage in meaningful discussions at the negotiation table when we meet again, as we know this is what our employees expect.

Making summer sizzle with Compliments and Panache

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We loved sharing a few of our favourite Own Brands products last fall that we figured, let’s make this a seasonal tradition!

With summer just around the corner, many of our customers (and teammates, too!) will be hosting backyard BBQs, taking a road trip or going on a family hike … and you can’t enjoy the warm weather without the most delicious food and snacks, right?

That’s right, we can all make a splash this summer by preparing the perfect treats that will delight our family and friends. Here’s a roundup of a few of our brand-new Own Brands products that will surely make it on our customers’ summer bucket lists.

1. Compliments Unicorn Twirl Ice Cream

Would it be summer without an ice cream in hand, melting down your arm on a hot day? It’s a favourite summer treat for kids and adults, too.

With colourful swirls of cotton candy, raspberry, and strawberry flavoured ice cream, this whimsical treat will surely brighten your day.

Best of all, it’s made with no artificial colours. You’re welcome!

2. Compliments Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages

Get the grill fired up! It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy a mouth-watering sausage that’s packed with flavour.

These sausages are naturally smoked to perfection, spicy with lots of jalapeno flavour, and made with real cheddar cheese.

Put it in a bun with your favourite toppings or eat it on its own. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure … you’ll be back for more!

3. Panache Frozen Garlic & Herb Lobster Tail Skewers

 Buttery sweet lobster tails … is there anything better?

Make these delicious MSC-certified and Ocean Wise-recommended lobster tail skewers right on the barbecue this summer.

You can even pair them with our jalapeño cheddar sausages to create the ultimate surf & turf meal. Or simply arrange the skewers on a platter for an elevated take on a party appetizer.

4. Compliments Kettle Cooked Chips

Whether you’re headed to the beach, cruising the open road, or just relaxing in your backyard oasis, snacks are a must! And for many of us, chips are at the top of that list!

Crunch, salt, flavour: batch-made kettle-cooked chips are the ultimate crispy and flavour-packed, savoury snack.

Tip: We suggest you have an extra bag or two on hand because they’ll go fast!

With these great quality Compliments and Panache products, and many other favourites, lining our Safeway shelves, we know we can meet our customers’ summer entertaining needs.

So whether you’re purchasing these products for yourself, bringing them to a family BBQ or recommending them to customers, let’s work together to bring the heat and make our Own Brands products #1 in our stores.

Happy summertime!