Another week of bargaining between UFCW 401 and your bargaining committee has passed. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve the momentum that we were hoping for, and importantly, that you deserve. We know that you’re wondering why the process is taking so long. You may be frustrated – and frankly, we are too. We’ve approached every bargaining session with a clear set of goals and objectives, and a commitment to coming to a fair agreement that balances everyone’s needs and interests.
Our goals: Investing in the future of Safeway & Introducing FreshCo to the Alberta market
Yet time and time again, the Union has been distracted from proposals that impact your lives and the lives of your teammates. After six weeks of bargaining, we’ve only discussed approximately 25 of 150 total proposals – none of which focus on scheduling, wages, vacation, or operational improvements. We know that these things matter and we need the Union to prioritize them, too.
In an attempt to gain momentum and streamline bargaining, we proposed a work plan during this week’s bargaining. The goal of the work plan is to better focus our discussions in a structured, scheduled manner, to help us reach a fair agreement more efficiently. Sadly, the Union showed minimal interest in our plan and simply reiterated that bargaining will just take as long as it takes.
We have always been open and honest, both with our employees and the Union, on why we have to introduce FreshCo in the right Alberta markets. Last month, we made a point of providing the Union with extensive data on FreshCo and the Alberta discount market in an effort to jumpstart these important conversations. We know that our customers and our communities are changing. We’re seeing more value-savvy shoppers who are focused on getting the best items at the most affordable prices. We aren’t attracting the same customers at Safeway that we will be at FreshCo. By not offering a Discount grocery retail banner, we’re significantly limiting our market share in Alberta. The fact is that we just can’t keep going with the way things are now. We can’t offer customers FreshCo pricing while supporting the Safeway full-service business model – nor do we want to. We want Safeway to stay Safeway, and FreshCo to be FreshCo. We’re committed to investing in Safeway, but no matter how hard we work, some of our Safeway stores can’t compete strictly based on the communities they’re operating in. We need to make a change now to avoid permanently closing underperforming Safeway stores in the future.
We have to stick together. Progress at the table has been slow, but we want you to know that we’re as dedicated as ever. The Company’s bargaining committee will continue to come to the table prepared to advance negotiations. Again, we’re incredibly thankful for your commitment and patience throughout this process.
We look forward to sharing more progress with you soon on Safeway Talks.
