With potential labour action occurring at the Sobeys Rockyview Distribution Centre located just north of the city, Calgarians might see a few more empty shelves at local Safeway and Sobeys grocery stores.
Teamsters Local Union 987, which represents members at the distribution centre in Balzac, voted 92 per cent in favour—201 for and 18 against—of strike action on Sept. 9.
Brock Penner, Business Agent, Teamsters Local Union 987, said that there was still a last-minute hope that a deal could be reached that would avoid any labour action.
“Until very recently, the two sides were not talking. Through the mediator, both sides have agreed until Monday, at 3 p.m. to allow cooler heads to prevail, and we’ll have some discussions, hopefully we can find a resolution,” he said.
Union representatives had been meeting with members throughout the day on Sept. 11, in an effort to find out what the membership wants and what the membership will pass for an agreement, he said.
If a strike were to occur, deliveries to southern and central Alberta, as well as surrounding provinces at Safeway and Sobeys, along with independent grocers, Petro-Canada convenience stores, and M&M Meats, would be affected.
“Unfortunately, the last last resort these members want to go through is a strike—having to stand up for themselves and affect their neighbours, people in their communities,” said Penner.
“They don’t want to have to go down that route. Unfortunately, the employer is pushing them there based on the fact that they’ve been threatening lockout as well.”
That lockout could take place as early as Sept. 15.
Penner said that the issue for employees at the distribution centre was not only a request for greater pay, but also increased respect from their employer.
As an example, Penner said that union members had been asking for the centre to provide any worker who works within the coolers to be provided with a jacket.
“It’s colder than your average fridge. The employer, we’ve asked, anybody that works in there, anybody that distributes product, driving truck, that the employer provides them with a jacket, and the employer was like, not a chance, we’re not interested in that,” he said.
“Something simple, like that. Addressing those concerns would go a long way to showing a bit of respect.”
Penner said that the union members were also seeking to have their pay brought up on par with Loblaws and Federated Co-Op, which are also represented by the Teamsters.
He said that many of the people who work would also be affected by their own strike having an effect on grocery stores, and would 100 percent be thrilled to come to an agreement that prevents disruptions for anyone.
“A lot of them have been very, very dedicated employees and very dedicated shoppers at Safeway,” said Penner.
LWC contacted Sobeys for comment on the potential for labour action and on the claims made by Teamsters Local Union 987, and will update this story if and when comments are provided.
