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.