As we previously shared with you, we were back at the table with UFCW 401 last month. While at the table, it became clear that amidst the current global crisis, your Union is currently focused on topics that differ from our own.

Our business has faced unprecedented demands since the onset of COVID-19 and our sole focus has been on operating safely as an essential service that Canadians can count on for the products they need to care for their families, while always keeping teammates and customers safe. We remain laser-focused on supporting each other and working together to get through this difficult time.

As you know, working quickly and efficiently to protect our teams and customers has been an incredible challenge for all of us. We have come together as a united front and faced this challenge head-on. We’ve adjusted to things like plexiglass shields and physical distancing floor markers. We’re controlling the number of customers in our stores to facilitate social distancing. We are all-hands-on-deck in cleaning and sanitizing. This has put pressures on all of us. Although many stores have found a more stable routine in recent days, we remain steadfast in our commitment to work together to keep our stores safe for our teams and customers.

Once this crisis is over, we will continue to prioritize our focus on operating in Alberta. We know that Alberta will be facing an extremely challenging economic environment, and we’re already seeing these signs in many of our communities. There will be work to be done, but we’re committed to working together to make it happen.

Some are arguing that now is the time to start talking about strikes, but what would that accomplish? The issues facing Safeway cannot be solved through a strike. However, they can be solved by working together on a fair and competitive collective agreement and by providing our customers with the grocery formats they want – full service in many markets and discount in others.

Now more than ever, we want you to remember that our key focus remains on keeping you safe and serving our Alberta communities.

Please keep these priorities in mind in coming weeks and as we return to the table on May 25-29.