Category: Feature

Updated Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by Megan Buston

Many teammates have brought forward that the Union is holding a town hall on November 20 with a lawyer, so you can ask questions about legal actions being taken against Sobeys. In addition, many employees are asking us what the next steps are. Please know that we have provided your Union with dates to meet. We are getting concerned because your Union has not yet confirmed any dates with us. We are confident that we have the ability to reach a deal that works for all employees; including employees who are not at top-rate or overscale. This is why it is in the best interest of all employees, for the Company and the Union to meet.

Listed below are some questions that employees have been asking us. Working with the Company’s legal counsel, we are answering your questions below. We encourage you to attend the Union’s town hall to ask questions, as well as to urge your Union to meet with the Company.

Q: Can the Company and the Union agree to extend the Collective Agreement before it expires in August?

A: Yes, we can extend the Collective Agreement now, provided both parties agree to negotiate.

Q: Can the parties finalize the 2023/2024 wage rates for top-rated and overscale employees as part of those negotiations?

A: Yes. The parties can finalize those wage rates as part of their negotiations instead of continuing with the Court proceedings and potentially having to do another Final Offer Selection (FOS) arbitration.

Q: The Union keeps asking if I am prepared to go on strike and implying that the strike can occur after the Company rolls back wages on January 26, 2025. Does this mean a strike will happen on January 27, 2025?

A: No. Regardless of whether an agreement to extend the contract is achieved or not, you are unable to legally go on strike on January 27, 2025. As a reminder, the Collective Agreement does not expire until August 9, 2025. Any strike before then would be illegal and the consequences of participating in this type of illegal strike activity would be discipline (up to and including the possibility of termination) and potential damages against the Union.

Q: Can the Union call a strike after the Collective Agreement expires in August to restore the 2023/2024 wage increases that were overturned by the Judge?

A: No. The Union cannot call a strike to restore the 2023/2024 wage increases. The Union can only call a strike to determine what will be included in the new Collective Agreement (i.e. the wage rates for 2025 and going forward). If the parties cannot agree on the 2023/2024 wage increases, they will have to continue with their Court proceedings and potentially conduct a new FOS arbitration.

Q: The Union has advised that they are appealing the Judge’s decision to the Court of Appeal. What is the Court of Appeal?

A: The Court of Appeal is the highest level of Court in Alberta. It hears appeals from decisions made in the lower Courts, such as the Judge’s decision on the Company’s Judicial Review application.

Q: How long could it take for the Union’s appeal to be heard and decided by the Court of Appeal?

A: There is no set timeline, but it could take up to a year for the appeal to be heard and even longer for it to be decided.

Q: Is the Court of Appeal the last step in this process?

A: Unfortunately, no. If either party is unhappy with the decision of the Court of Appeal, they could seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada would then have to decide whether it would hear the matter. This would likely take many more months.

To see additional FAQs shared previously with teammates, click here.

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.

Let’s go the extra mile to support Special Olympics Canada athletes

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

It’s that time of year again!

Our annual in-store fundraising campaign in support of Special Olympics Canada kicks off today! From June 1 – 8, customers can either donate $2 or round up their bill to the nearest dollar at their local Safeway to support Special Olympics activities. Sobeys Inc. will also match donations to a maximum of $500,000!

Did you know that 4 out of 5 individuals with an intellectual disability have a chance of being obese? Involvement in Special Olympics leads to 10% fewer athletes who are obese or overweight. Plus, 49% of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics are less likely to be diagnosed with depression.

These are just a couple of the many reasons why we’re so proud to partner with Special Olympics Canada and to help athletes lead healthier, happier lives.

Since our national partnership began in 2016, we’ve invested over $9 million through sport, health, fitness and nutrition education. This means that more than 41,000 Special Olympics athletes registered in over 6,000 programs across Canada have benefited from our support. These athletes are supported by more than 17,500 coaches and volunteers.

Be sure to watch this heartwarming video from Special Olympics athletes cheering you, our passionate Safeway teammates, on as you bring this campaign to life in store and encourage customers to donate.

Let’s rally together to raise as much funds as we can for this incredible cause. Thank you for all that you do!

A legacy of support: Safeway and Special Olympics Canada

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Our annual Special Olympics Canada in-store fundraising campaign (June 1 – 8) is almost here, but first we’re taking a moment to recognize our Safeway banner for your long-standing history of support.

Did you know Safeway has been supporting Special Olympics since the 1980s? That’s right, we’re talking about decades of helping thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals and dreams.

In fact, it’s because of Safeway’s meaningful involvement with Special Olympics that inspired Sobeys Inc.’s partnership with this organization and led to the birth of our national fundraising campaign in 2016. Since our national partnership began in 2016, we’ve invested over $9 million through sport, health, fitness and nutrition education.

Here’s a few highlights of Safeway’s support over the years:

  • Over the past 15 years alone, Safeway teammates have helped raise nearly $4 million.
  • Before 2014, Safeway stores ran regional in-store fundraising campaigns that supported their local Special Olympics chapters.
  • In 2014, Safeway granted Special Olympics Canada its first-ever exclusive campaign with 100% of the proceeds supporting this organization at a national level.
  • Safeway was a sponsor of the 2020 Special Olympics Canada National Winter Games in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
  • Safeway has also been a proud employer of Special Olympics athletes in the local community, helping to build a powerful understanding of how to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Thank you, Safeway teammates, for your unwavering support of Special Olympics in your province and local communities. Your countless contributions have helped to change and enrich the lives of Special Olympics athletes through sport, friendship, fun and mentorship. You’re proof that helping others is, and will always be, part of who we are.

We’re also always on the lookout for Special Olympics champions or athletes in our stores to spotlight. If you know of someone, let us know: communityinvestment@sobeys.com.

Staying focused on our future

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

From May 2 to May 10, we returned to the bargaining table with UFCW 1518 and the bargaining committee. As we’ve said since bargaining started, we’re dedicated to keeping you up to date with accurate information.

Here’s what took place:

  • We’ve made further progress on resolving some non-monetary issues.
  • We received the Union’s full monetary proposal and we’re carefully reviewing it.
  • We’re getting back to the table to resume bargaining this week.

There’s still lots of difficult discussions on complicated topics to take place and hard work on both sides to get this done.

With the many increased costs we’re facing and significant competitive differences between our collective agreements and those of our competitors, we need to find the right deal that balances the aspirations of our teammates and our ability to compete effectively as a full-service operator. This is how we’ll keep improving our Safeway network in B.C.

In spite of the current economic uncertainty and the challenging environment in which we operate, our focus remains on reaching a recommended agreement with UFCW 1518 and the bargaining committee.

Keep a lookout on SafewayTalks.ca for more bargaining updates as negotiations continue.

Thank you for all that you do in our stores.

Keeping you informed as we return to the bargaining table

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

As we return to the bargaining table this week, we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to reaching fully recommended agreements. We’ll continue to work towards agreements that allows us to build a strong foundation for the future of Safeway in British Columbia.

For the past few months, our bargaining has been largely focused on resolving some smaller issues. As we move into the next phase of negotiations, the parties will be focused on discussing more complex issues and finding common ground.

We face some significant challenges in the coming years. Minimum wage increases announced for June 1 will have a huge cost impact on our business. Since 2018, minimum wage has increased by 32%.  In addition, we’re facing discount competitors who continue to attract more customers. FreshCo has seen market share growth as some customers seek out price over the services offered at Safeway. All of these challenges will have an impact on negotiations.

While we’re committed to making sure our teammates are rewarded appropriately for their hard work, we must maintain the viability of the Safeway network in this province.

We’ve already invested significantly in the Safeway network and we’re prepared to invest more, however, this will only be possible under the right economic conditions.

The parties must reach an agreement that strikes the right balance between the needs of our teammates, and the operational and competitive requirements of our stores. This is how we’ll achieve long-term success.

We’re looking forward to continuing positive, cooperative conversations with the unions and bargaining committees over the coming weeks.

We’ll keep sharing updates from the bargaining table and encourage you to stay informed as negotiations continue.

As we work through collective bargaining, thank you for your hard work and focus on exceeding each customer’s expectations.

There’s still time! Nominate a deserving teammate as a Value Champion by April 30.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Guided by our four Values, we know that Safeway teammates are going above and beyond every day to support our customers, communities and one another. Teammates who put these ideals into action and inspire others to do the same should be recognized and celebrated.

That’s what the Value Champions program is all about!

Have you noticed a teammate demonstrating one of our Values?

People-Powered — teammates who help their colleagues be their best by listening to and supporting each other, communicating openly and candidly, and encouraging positivity and fun.

Customer-Driven — teammates who go the extra mile for the customer by consistently making customers our priority, understanding their needs, finding ways to thrill them and serve them with pride.

Community-Engaged — teammates who make a difference in our communities by consistently engaging with our communities, giving back, acting in sustainable ways, and supporting local initiatives, entrepreneurs, and suppliers.

Results-Oriented — teammates who drive great results in a fair and ethical way by consistently bringing a winning attitude, delivering on our commitments, finding new and innovative solutions, and are fair and ethical in our decisions.

Be sure to nominate them as a Value Champion, today! The deadline to submit a nomination is April 30.

Nomination Process

When nominating a teammate as a Value Champion, it’s super important to provide full details such as their name, job title, and location of work. The winning submission is dependent on how much detail you provide.

Selection Process

The Value Champions Selection Committee will be selecting 100 Value Champions finalists for this year. There will be five winners, one for each Value and one national winner determined by Operations Vice Presidents.

If you have any questions, please contact sobeysrecognitionprograms@sobeys.com or visit SobeysValueChampions.com for more information.

Introducing the new-and-improved Collingwood Safeway

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Our customers and our communities across British Columbia continue to evolve, and so too does the grocery industry. That’s why its more important than ever that we invest in the right stores, in the right markets, to meet the changes in customer needs. This means giving many of our stores a much-needed facelift to bolster the Safeway brand and better serve our customers.

On March 2, Collingwood Safeway officially reopened after months of renovations. This store has been a fixture in east Vancouver since 1967. With a clear shift in customer preferences, including an increased focus on multicultural options, we knew it was the right time to invest in the store’s future.

The renovations included everything from a beautiful, refreshed exterior to an expanded multicultural grocery selection, to a makeover of each department. The store also boasts freshly painted walls and new signage throughout.

A huge shout out goes to the entire Collingwood store team for maintaining top-notch customer service throughout the renovations. And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in making the Collingwood Safeway re-opening a reality. We know these projects are no small feat, but your hard work, determination and Safeway pride, make it all possible. Way to go, team!

But we’re not stopping there. Renovations are also underway at Robson Safeway and Sardis Safeway — and we’ll share their remarkable transformations with you once complete. Over the coming years, we’ll continue investing in Safeway in B.C. through the remodeling and grand re-opening of many more, including Kelowna Safeway, Peninsula Village Safeway, Ocean Park Safeway, and Vernon Square Safeway.

Stay tuned to Safeway Talks as we share more updates on our commitment to investing in Safeway’s future.

Let’s help feed hungry tummies in our community!

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Did you know that over three million children in Canada are living without guaranteed access to nutritious meals?

This means that countless children are starting their school day without a meal. But with the help of you, our Safeway teammates, and our customers, we can change this!

Our annual Toonies for Tummies in-store fundraising campaign starts today! By raising much-needed funds, we can help ensure healthy breakfasts and snacks are available to school-aged children with hungry tummies.

This year, Sobeys Inc. will kick off the campaign with a $100,000 donation and will match customer donations up to an additional $200,000.

The in-store campaign runs until March 16 at all Safeway locations. Toonies for Tummies is an initiative of The Grocery Foundation, in partnership with Breakfast Club of Canada, and local agencies.

When students start their day on an empty stomach, their energy levels, academic performance, memory function, and school attendance are impacted. With as little as $2, we can help fill those tummies with proper nutrition, reducing the potential risk of stress, anxiety and depression that’s linked to food insecurity.

Thank YOU for bringing this campaign to life over the next couple weeks. Your encouragement in asking customers to donate at the till will go a long way in helping us raise as much funds as we can. Together, we can make healthy breakfasts available for children who need it most in the communities we serve.

To learn more about this meaningful initiative, visit groceryfoundation.com.

Safeway Local Supplier Spotlight: NoochPOP

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

As we continue to shine a light on our outstanding local suppliers across British Columbia, it was an absolute pleasure to connect with Earl Ellingson, Chief Popper, at his family-run business, NoochPOP.

We spoke to Earl about what sparked the idea for NoochPOP, the impact of Safeway’s support, and what’s on the horizon for this growing company.

Earl, can you share a little bit about your background and how your company came to be?

My wife Trish and I are food industry veterans, having built and sold an energy bar company. When our vegan(ish) friends introduced us to nutritional yeast (nooch) and recommended we sprinkle it on popcorn, we were hooked! It’s a unique, smooth, golden, creamy, cheesy, delicious ingredient.

After our “nooch aha moment,” we saw a business opportunity. After much research, we learned that no one in the grocery business had a nutritional yeast popcorn product. So, we decided to partner with our three daughters (aka The Nooch Girls) to sell organic fresh-popped popcorn seasoned with nooch and, voila… NoochPOP was born, right here in Vancouver!

Can you tell us more about NoochPOP’s products?

NoochPOP is organic popcorn sold in ready to eat 120g bags. The hero core ingredient of every bag is nutritional yeast (aka nooch) which is a golden yellow seasoning loaded with B vitamins, fiber, and protein. It tastes very cheesy, but is vegan.

You may also be wondering how nutritional yeast is made? Well, it’s grown in a glucose-rich environment, usually sugarcane or beet molasses. The yeast is then heated to become inactive (not baker’s or brewer’s yeast), then fermented, harvested, washed, pasteurized and dried to a golden yellow flake or powder.

NoochPOP is currently available in five flavours: Kinda Nacho & Cheesy, Kinda Cheesy, Kinda Chili Lime & Cheesy, Kinda Garlic & Cheesy, and Kinda Sweet & Savoury.

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

Our goal is to be where our customers are — so Safeway was an obvious choice to meet the needs of people looking for healthier snacks during every grocery shopping trip.

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

As sole owners of the business, it’s always with parental pride when we see our products on the shelves at Safeway. And we often can’t help it… but there’s times we organize our products on the shelves to make sure everything looks good.

What makes you most proud to partner with Safeway? 

Safeway is a legacy, top retail partner. So, if we can sell here where everybody knows the shopping experience is about quality products, then we’re confident we’ll be successful.

What growth has NoochPOP seen since partnering with Safeway?

We’ve seen an upward spike in our sales. Now, our job is to continue making the best product and getting it placed in the best locations in store.

What’s next for you and your business?

We’re looking at adding more flavours to our offering as well as expanding our business into eastern Canada and the United States. Beyond that, we’re also looking at other products that nutritional yeast could make even better!

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We’re so proud to partner with hundreds of local suppliers to not only bring the best products to our stores, but invest in our own local communities. These brightly coloured bags are available in 23 Safeway stores and in 25 Thrifty Foods locations in B.C. Keep an eye out the next time you’re in store!

Stay tuned to Safeway Talks for more Safeway Local Supplier Spotlights soon.