Category: Alberta

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!

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.

10 days left! Nominate a deserving teammate as a Value Champion today.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

With over 600 Value Champion nominations so far across the business, there’s no doubt our teammates are going above and beyond every day to support our customers, communities, and fellow teammates.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to nominate a deserving Safeway teammate or leader — don’t worry, you still have until April 30 to do so!

Click here to submit a nomination today!

Teammates who put our Values into action and inspire others to do the same should be recognized and celebrated.

For more information on the program, visit SobeysValueChampions.com.

Safeway is hopping up their game to celebrate Easter

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

For the past couple of weeks, Safeway stores have been delighting customers with displays, deals and activities to brighten up their Easter shopping experience.

From putting up eye-catching in-store displays, spotlighting savings, hosting activities for kids, or providing Easter meal ideas, our Safeway teams have outdone themselves once again in elevating our customers’ shopping experience.

A big shoutout to each of you for your dedication and creativity to make this another Easter to remember.

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Spruce Grove Safeway (Spruce Grove, AB)
West Broadway Safeway (Vancouver, B.C.)

Thorncliffe Safeway (Calgary, AB)

Arbutus Safeway (Vancouver, B.C.)

Tuxedo Safeway (Winnipeg, MB)

Alberta Safeway teammates raise more than $228,000 for Toonies for Tummies

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

From March 2 – 16, Safeway stores across Alberta raised critical funds for school meal programs in their local community as part of the Toonies for Tummies campaign. The annual campaign is an opportunity for the grocery industry to come together in support of school-aged kids facing food insecurity.

We’re pleased to share that, together, our teammates and customers raised more than $228,000! Time and time again you show up for your communities when they need you most, and your hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.

We’re so proud of our Safeway frontline teammates who brought this campaign to life. A heartfelt thank you to all of you for rallying in support of hungry kids in their local communities!

Aspen Safeway (Calgary, AB) teammates host cookie decorating with the Easter Bunny in support of Toonies for Tummies!

Canmore Safeway teammates selling hotdogs to hungry shoppers in support of Toonies for Tummies!

A big round of applause for Jean and Kim, cashiers at South View Safeway (Grand Prairie, AB), who raised more than $2,000 combined, and helped their store exceed their goal, raising a total of $4,220.

Your feedback matters: Participate in The Employee Experience Survey today!

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We’re excited to announce that the 2023 Employee Experience Survey is here!

Safeway is committed to continuously improving, and your participation in the annual survey is one of the key ways we can continue growing as a business and as a team. Your feedback is crucial to helping us understand what is working well and where we need to focus our efforts to make improvements. It’s also a chance for you to help guide our future strategies and initiatives.

The survey, powered by Qualtrics, is open from March 20 – April 10, and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

There are three ways to access the survey from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection:

  1. Visit the People Portal and click the Employee Experience Survey tile on the homepage.
  2. Visit tinyurl.com/OurVoices2023
  3. Scan the QR code found on a survey promotional poster in your back room.
  4. On your store’s tablet (received through the Scene+ rollout) under Employee Resources, click on the EE Survey icon.

Your feedback is confidential and individual responses will not be shared at any point.

Your participation is critical to helping us improve our workplace and create a positive and engaging environment for all teammates. We look forward to sharing the results of the survey shortly after it closes.

If you have any questions, please speak with your Store Manager or HRBP.

Thank you for your willingness to share and for your time and commitment.

The Employee Experience Survey is coming soon! Have your voice heard.

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

At Safeway, we believe that a winning culture is cultivated from a winning experience for our teammates. Each year, we send out an Employee Experience Survey to hear from you, our valuable teammates, about what’s important to you and how we can deliver the best experience for everyone.

The survey will be open from March 20 – April 10, 2023, for all Corporate and Candico teammates. Your feedback is confidential and individual responses will not be shared at any point.

Over the last year, your feedback from the 2022 survey informed our strategies and initiatives and refined our People Plan so that we can better engage, support, and empower teammates.

We’ve seen countless success stories across the company. So, as we prepare for this year’s survey, we’re highlighting some of the exciting initiatives we’ve launched or improved across the company, thanks to your feedback!

  • Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: DE&I is our shared top priority, and we’ve continued our commitment to advancing DE&I with further initiatives and integration into our business goals. These include sharing teammate stories, focusing on indigenous relations, launching pronoun name tags, celebrating supplier diversity, examining ways to mitigate bias in our talent processes and DE&I training for leaders.

 

  • Reducing environmental impact: You shared that working for a socially responsible company was important to you. From reducing food waste in our stores to sending less plastic and packaging to landfills, we’ve continued to look at various ways to reduce our environmental impact. Part of this initiative was our #FoodRescue Movement, a two-week marketing campaign that inspired Canadians to come together and do Our Part for future generations by rescuing food at home.

 

  • Making teammate resources more accessible: You identified that having better access to our tools and resources was an area we could improve in. We continue to look for ways to make our resources more user-friendly to help you personally and professionally; such as the improved People Portal experience, and our Mental Wellbeing toolkit and website to protect and improve our mental health.

 

  • Improving the Teammate Experience: Delivering value to our teammates is a part of our investment in you. Based on your feedback, in 2023 alone we:
    • leveraged our partnership with Scene+ and rebranded our employee discount program to provide you with core discounts at our participating banners, and unique offers through our Teammate Exclusives program. This program provides more than $200 in additional value, bringing the total value of our discount program up to over $1,000 a year.

Stay tuned for details on how to access the survey next week.