UFCW Local 832 members from Safeway and FreshCo locations in Manitoba voted more than 98% in favour of a strike mandate following a weekend of voting.
A strike mandate demonstrates the seriousness of these employees’ proposals and their commitment to fighting for better working conditions.
UFCW 832 and its bargaining committee made up of employees from Manitoban stores have been at the bargaining table with Sobeys Capital Incorporated since late 2021, but have not felt that the employer is taking them seriously.
“Over this pandemic, we have an employer who has made a huge profit and employees who have worked very hard to ensure Manitobans have access to essentials despite increasing risks and stress,” says Jeff Traeger, UFCW 832 president and lead negotiator. “Sobeys Capital Incorporated has consistently called its employees heroes, but it’s time for them to move beyond words and show their gratitude in a more meaningful way.”
The current contract for Safeway and FreshCo expires on March 19, 2022. However, the union and employer are scheduled to resume bargaining on Tuesday, March 1.
UFCW Local 832 represents approximately 2,000 Safeway and FreshCo workers from stores in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Neepawa and Dauphin.
