Category: Alberta

Wage reopener arbitration update

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

In December 2023, we informed you about our challenge of the Arbitrator’s decision on the Wage Reopener. In our view, there were several critical errors made in the ruling. The information the Arbitrator relied on to base their decision was partially inaccurate and was not in line with the Alberta market and competitive landscape.

This decision, which rewards only top-rated teammates, has now put significant negative pressure on our business and creates future risks for all teammates. We can’t stress enough that these wage increases have put Safeway in an extremely uncompetitive position compared to the rest of the Alberta grocery industry.

The impact of the decision has made several of our stores unprofitable. As a result, we may have to make difficult choices to address this situation. It is for this reason that we continue to challenge the Arbitrator’s ruling.

What we want is a decision that is fair and market competitive which enables us to continue to run profitable stores while providing opportunities for all of our teammates well into the future.

As required, we implemented the first wage increase for top-rated teammates last August. At that time, we communicated that the second increase for top-rated teammates would occur this August. We are honouring that commitment and these teammates will receive their increase on their next pay.

We can’t stress enough that these wage increases for top-rated teammates have placed us in an extremely difficult position compared to our competitors. We will continue to be transparent in communicating the impact of the Arbitrator’s decision on our business and any difficult choices we may need to make as we move forward.

Introducing the Passionfruit No-jito in support of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

In continuation of our longstanding support for the Special Olympics movement, Safeway proudly stands as a platinum level sponsor of the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary (February 27 – March 2, 2024). This reaffirms our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

And if that’s not enough, we’re also bubbling over with excitement as we announce a delicious addition to our Alberta store shelves that’s sure to make a splash! Introducing Burwood Distillery’s Passionfruit No-jito, exclusive to our Alberta Safeway stores and Safeway Liquor locations.

Crafted to perfection, the Passionfruit No-jito is a non-alcoholic drink that not only promises to tantalize taste buds, but also supports a cause close to our hearts—the Special Olympics Winter Games. For every four-pack sold in our stores between January 30 and March 31, Burwood Distillery will generously donate $3, with a spirited goal of raising $90,000 to back this incredible event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us in making a difference

The Passionfruit No-jito isn’t just a beverage—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a great cause while offering our customers a unique and refreshing experience. We encourage our teammates to create eye-catching displays to showcase this exclusive mocktail. Your enthusiasm and dedication are key to making this initiative a resounding success.

Cheers to making a difference, one can at a time!

Nominate a Special Olympics athlete teammate for an unforgettable experience

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We’re excited to announce a unique opportunity for one of our Special Olympics athlete teammates to attend the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games (February 27 – March 3, 2024) in Calgary.

And we need your help in choosing this deserving teammate …. here’s how!

Nomination Period:

Between January 17 and January 26, we encourage you to nominate a teammate who is a Special Olympics athlete and who not only embodies the spirit of the Special Olympics, but also its core values of empowerment, excellence, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Nomination Process:

Nominating is simple! Fill out this online form, and in 500 words or less share how your nominee exemplifies Special Olympics values. Ensure your nominee is…

  • aware of and has agreed to the nomination before you submit it.
  • available to travel from February 27 to March 3.
  • has a support person available to travel with them during this time.
  • comfortable with completing the correspondent duties indicated below.

And remember, your nominee must be both an active Special Olympics athlete and a teammate who’s not currently participating in the Winter Games.

The Adventure:

The chosen teammate and their guest will embark on an unforgettable journey to the Special Olympics Calgary Winter Games. What makes this experience even more extraordinary is that the selected teammate will serve as our special correspondent, capturing the behind-the-scenes magic of the Games that we’ll share with all teammates to give you an inside look at the Games. In addition to attending the Special Olympics Winter Games, the chosen teammate will also enjoy a Calgary Flames hockey game and explore the breathtaking beauty of Banff or Lake Louise.

Selection Process:

The winner will be selected by members of a panel comprised of the Community Investment, DE&I, Operations, and HR teams, and announced in mid-February. This recipient will be selected based on the strength of their connection to the core values of the Special Olympics.

So don’t delay — submit your nomination today and help us provide one of our teammates with an incredible experience!

Meet Your Safeway 2022 & 2023 Top Value Champions

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

As a Company that lives our values in everything we do, we’re so excited to officially reveal our 2022 and 2023 Value Champions.

With over 1,200 nominations, choosing the semi-finalists and winners was certainly not easy. We read stories that made us laugh, and some that made us cry. But after every story, we were left feeling so incredibly proud … proud that these teammates are the fabric of our business.

Check out the list of our nearly 200 Value Champions semi-finalists who are most deserving of our praise.

Without further ado, we’re so proud to share that we’ve got not one, but two Safeway Top Value Champions. Selected as two of only eight top winners, this is an outstanding accomplishment. Like we promised, each winner will receive an epic experience to celebrate their big win in style. We’ll be sure to give you an inside look at their adventures soon.

Community-Engaged: Ashish Errappa

Store Manager at Safeway City Centre Mall in Thompson, Manitoba

Ashish is the true definition of a compassionate, forward-thinking leader who goes above and beyond to serve the distinct needs of his community. Ashish’s local Indigenous community shared a desire for more local grocery and fresh bakery options. So, he shifted his offering to better provide what his community needs. On top of that, Ashish makes it a priority to give back and there’s a long list of community causes he supports, like food banks, schools, and the Boys and Girls Club, to name a few. He even spearheaded a $10,000 Community Action Fund donation of frozen turkeys to Manitoba Keewantinowi Okimakanak Inc. as part of 820 holiday hampers that went to families with food insecurity. There’s no doubt that Ashish exemplifies all that we stand for!

Results-Oriented: Janet Shabatoski

Pharmacy Technician at Safeway Callingwood in Edmonton, Alberta

Janet is the complete package — as a person, teammate and leader. With her can-do attitude, Janet consistently goes well beyond her normal duties to support her team, but most notably, she did so when her manager was on leave. Without hesitation, Janet stepped up to keep the pharmacy running smoothly. Managing invoices, orders, staff schedules, and getting the team through the challenging cyber security incident, Janet did it all, and we’re so proud of her.

 

We’re nothing without our values, and it’s clear that our winners are admired by their teammates for being dedicated, kind, resilient, and incredibly hard-working. Talk about a world-class team.

Once again, congratulations to each winner. Our values make us stronger, together. You’re proof of this.

Don’t forget! Submissions are now open for 2024 — nominate a Value Champion today.

Inspired by a teammate who embodies the values that are at the heart of who we are? Think they deserve an epic experience of their own? Honour their efforts by nominating them using this form.

 

Alberta wage update

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Teammates,

As indicated in our last communication, we committed to keeping you updated regarding the timing of the upcoming wage increases. Teammates who are eligible for increases and retroactive payments can expect them to appear on your next pay deposit on December 21, 2023.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in preparing the stores for the busy weeks leading into the end of the year. The stores look great, and we are well-positioned to win the holiday season!

Wishing you and your family happy holidays,

Julie Sue Wood
VP, Operations, Prairies

Alberta wage reopener update

Posted on by Daniela Travierso
“Our people are what makes Safeway great. I believe that as a team we must all focus on building a strong future for the Safeway team of today and tomorrow.”
— Julie Sue Wood, VP, Operations, Prairies

Teammates,

As many of you are aware, we and UFCW 401, received the arbitration decision on the final offer selection process. I must admit we were a bit shocked at the decision.

While our Union partners might tell you otherwise, we do believe in supporting our teammates. To do this, we must look at the big picture to ensure we are building a sustainable future for us all. The deal that the Arbitrator approved is going to put immense pressure on our business. What might look like a short-term victory, could create real challenges for all our teammates in the future.

Operating as a grocery retailer through these highly inflationary times is challenging. Like so many other businesses, we are managing a delicate balance in Alberta and do not want to tip the scales in the wrong direction. The labour costs in the arbitration decision threaten the little stability we are trying to build upon in Alberta.

Following a review of the Arbitrator’s decision, we feel that several critical errors were made. Right now, the Company is filing a Judicial Review Application, which means a judge will review the decision to ensure that the decision was reasonable and the process was fair. This does not mean that we will not or do not want to process wage increases for those impacted. In the coming weeks, we will let you know how we will move ahead and the date when you can expect your wage increase and retroactive pay.

We are going to move forward with our values in mind, respecting our teammates and this process along the way. I would like to thank all of you for your patience as we work through the details of this decision.

 

Julie Sue Wood
VP, Operations, Prairies

Congratulations to our Safeway 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

In 2010, we embarked on a journey to empower and support our student teammates across Canada in their pursuit of academic and professional aspirations. The Sobeys Inc. & Empire Scholarship program was established with a vision to foster growth, nurture talent, and provide invaluable support for our dedicated teammates on their educational journeys. Since its inception, this program has awarded numerous scholarships valued at $1,500 each, to deserving teammates, and this year is no exception.

Our selection process was exceptionally competitive this year, with our student teammates displaying talent, determination and ambition. Out of the outstanding pool of applicants, we’re thrilled to introduce the remarkable Safeway teammates who’ve been chosen as the recipients of the 2023 Sobeys Inc. & Empire Scholarships.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients and our sincere thanks and best wishes to all applicants as they pursue their academic goals. Our scholarship program and application process can be found at: https://sobeyscareers.com/scholarship/

Applications are accepted from May 15 to June 15 each year.

Trevor Trinh, Terra Losa Safeway, Edmonton, Alberta – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at University of Alberta

Claire E Mandrusiak, Capilano Safeway, Edmonton, Alberta – Doctor of Pharmacy at University of Alberta

Zachary D Yopek-Stabel, Boonie Doon Safeway, Edmonton, Alberta – Entry to Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at University of Alberta

Anna Margarita S Jose, Seafair Safeway, Richmond, BC – Bachelor in Business Management – Human Resource Concentration at Acsenda School of Management

Connor Kuznik, Safeway Sunshine Hills, Delta, BC – Political Science, Bachelor of Arts Degree Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Maya Lei, Lynn Valley Safeway, North Vancouver, BC – Computer Science at University of Toronto

Areesha S Chamadia, Safeway Shaughnessy, Port Coquitlam, BC – Political Science at Simon Fraser University

Jorja R Yates, Safeway Swift Current, Saskatchewan – Bachelor of Arts at University of Regina & Great Plains College

Katarina Machovec, Tuxedo Safeway, Winnipeg, Manitoba – Health Care Aide Program at Red River College

It’s because of you! Thank you for helping us raise more than $298K for Family of Support.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

The fourth annual fundraising campaign for Family of Support: Child & Youth Mental Health Initiative wrapped up earlier this month.

We’re happy to share that our Alberta Safeway teammates and customers came together to raise more than $298,000. In total, more than $2.5 million was raised across all Sobeys Inc. banners.

Knowing the vital importance of early intervention mental health programming, you — our Alberta Safeway teammates — went above and beyond to encourage customers to donate. We’re extremely grateful for your efforts in making this exceptional achievement possible.

We invite you to watch a heartfelt video of thanks from our national patient ambassador, Canon, by clicking here.

Family of Support remains a ground-breaking initiative, funding innovative mental health programs to ensure that children and youth receive the help they need early in life, setting the stage for brighter futures. These programs work to decrease stigma, strengthen families, and provide crucial support to more children and youth in need. Your contributions will continue to make a significant impact in the communities we serve over the coming year.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to explore the stories of impact from our Family of Support patient ambassadors. These stories highlight the tangible difference your efforts are making in the lives of children and youth in need.

But remember, our journey doesn’t end here. Teammates can sign up for our Healthier Tomorrows Giving Program and make contributions directly from your paycheque to one of over 30 charities across Canada, including the 13 children’s hospital foundations we’ve passionately supported this past month.

Thank you once again for your incredible passion and dedication to this worthy cause!

 

Safeway Canmore teammates at it again with a Hot Dog fundraiser in support of Child and Youth Mental Health! Way to go, team!

Safeway South Trail Crossing (Calgary, AB) teammates proudly showing off their incredible fundraising efforts.

Way to go Safeway Terra Losa (Edmonton, AB) teammates for crushing your fundraising goal!

Happy Thanksgiving, Safeway!

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Seeing all of the incredible fall product and food displays in our stores, we know how hard you’re working to wow our customers and ensure they get everything they need to create their Thanksgiving dishes.

We want to take this moment to express our gratitude for all that you do each and every day for our customers, our communities, and one another.

We’re so thankful to have you on our team.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people in your life who matter most.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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.