In December, the Company and UFCW 401 were at the bargaining table to find a path forward that would address the outcome of the Judicial Review. We made an offer and you asked your union to let you vote on it. Votes are scheduled from January 16 to 23.

In recent communications from UFCW 401, we are disappointed to hear that the union may not count your vote or honour the results. If the offer is not accepted, we have no choice but to act on the Judicial Review ruling and roll back wages and recover overpayments. Our offer provides a better path forward for all teammates and Safeway. Don’t let UFCW 401 cancel the results of your vote.

Our offer ensures you continue to be the highest-paid unionized grocery employees in Alberta. Despite what the union is saying, we want to be clear that this is our final offer and there will be no more bargaining dates scheduled. Also, if the offer is accepted, wages will not be reverted and overpayments will not be collected.

Here are the highlights of the deal:

• Four-year extension expiring in August 2029.
• Top-rated and overscale teammates would maintain the 10% wage increase they received in the 2023 FOS decision. In addition, these teammates would receive an extra 2% increase in August 2027, and a 2% increase in August 2028.
• In-scale teammates would be eligible to receive a combined total of up to $2,000 in lump sum payments over the four-year extension. These in-scale teammates would receive $500 lump sum payments in August 2025, August 2026, August 2027, and August 2028.
• In-scale teammates would be eligible to receive a combined total of up to $2,000 in lump sum payments over the four-year extension. These in-scale teammates would receive $500 lump sum payments in August 2025, August 2026, August 2027, and August 2028. In-scale teammates who reach the top-rate of the scale through their hours worked, will join their top-rated colleagues in being the highest-paid unionized retail employees in the province.
• Increased dental trust funding, which is part of an industry leading benefit package provided at no cost.
• Retirement allowance offering of $1,000 per year of service. Within the next four years, the Company would provide a one-time opportunity for interested teammates to apply for consideration to receive a retirement allowance. Both full-time and part-time teammates could apply. Should the teammate be selected, they would be paid a bonus of $1,000 per year of service. For a teammate with 35 years of service, this would be a $35,000 payment, less statutory deductions.

What should you do now?

• Review the meeting notice posted by UFCW 401 to know where and how to vote. If you are not sure where to get this information, ask your Union Rep or your Store Manager.
• Exercise your vote and make your voice heard. Don’t let someone else make this important decision for you.
• Once the vote is conducted, demand full transparency from UFCW 401 on the outcome of the vote. Don’t let your vote be cancelled.

Take the time to carefully consider what the Company is offering. It’s the best option to help secure a strong future for you and for our Safeway business in Alberta.