The Sobeys Bargaining Committee worked late last night (Sept 22), making some progress. However, negotiations are going more slowly than the committee would like.

UFCW 1518 will work through the weekend and remain focused on making the gains Safeway and FreshCo Pharmacy members need to bring an agreement back to the membership.

The union will keep members posted on any significant updates at the table should they develop on Saturday or Sunday. Members should stay tuned to their email inbox for the latest information.

We know that many members would like to know exactly which bargaining proposals have been settled and which have not. Members will have the opportunity to know, and vote on, all of the specifics once the union has come to an agreement with Sobeys. And, if bargaining reaches an impasse, we will let members know exactly what issues we could not reach an agreement on.

Until then, bargaining items remain in flux, and it is critical that members focus on both negotiating a contract while also preparing for job action if talks break down.

That is why UFCW 1518 staff are continuing preparations for a strike. If you are a Safeway or FreshCo Pharmacy member interested in helping with strike readiness, we encourage you to register to become a Picket Captain, which you can do by signing up for the Contract Support Team. Members who signed up for the Contract Support Team will receive more information next week.

In the meantime, staff will be monitoring the safewaybargaining@ufcw1518.com email inbox over the weekend, so members can continue to send any questions along.