Mark Brown, the Arbitrator in the Safeway Extra case, has issued a decision that recognizes Safeway Extra as a new banner and requires that "a separate Collective Agreement appropriate for Safeway Extra" be negotiated by the parties.
Our legal counsel along with counsel from UFCW Local 1518 made strong, compelling and direct arguments against Sobeys attempt to undermine the Safeway Collective Agreement. We are currently looking into our legal options.
The Award instructs both Locals and the Company to begin to negotiate a Collective Agreement for Safeway Extra Stores. We will reach out to both Local 1518 and the Company to initiate the process. If an agreement can't be reached the matter will go to Final Offer Selection Arbitration for a decision on what the terms of the Collective Agreement will be.
Our focus going into negotiations is to fight to maintain wages, benefits and working conditions that are comparable to the conventional Safeway Stores. It is important to remember that the current collective agreement remains in full force and effect and there are to be no changes while the process takes place.
In the next few weeks we will be consulting with our members in Langley and Dawson Creek and preparing for negotiations.
We will continue to keep all Safeway/Sobeys members apprised of developments. Members are encouraged to direct any questions to the UFCW 247 Union Representative for their area. You may also check the Local 247 website for further updates.