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Q: Will I get paid by Safeway while on strike/lockout?
A: No, you won’t receive your usual pay cheque if you are on strike. In addition, there will not be any Company contributions to the pension plan, dental plan or benefits programs during a strike, unless the Union opts to make those contributions on teammates’ behalf.
Q: If we go on strike, do I get paid by the Union?
A: UFCW 401 has said that only teammates who participate in picketing will receive strike pay. The maximum amount of strike pay is $550 per week for full time and $400 per week for part time. If you have questions about strike pay, you should speak to your Union representative.
Q: Do the terms of the current Collective Agreement still apply during a strike/lockout?
A: No, once either party initiates legal job action (including a strike/lockout), the Collective Agreement no longer applies.
Q: I am on probation; do I have the right to strike?
A: Yes, you have the right to strike even if you’re on probation.
Q: Can I keep coming to work if there is a strike?
A: Yes. Teammates will still be allowed to come to work if there is a strike. If this is something you want to do, please contact your store manager.
Q: If I am locked out, can I still come to work?
A: Yes. Teammates will still be allowed to come to work if there is a lockout. If this is something you want to do, please contact your store manager.
Q: The union is telling me I will be fined if I come to work during a strike.
A: You can work during a strike, if you would like to. Following the last Safeway strike, in 1997, the Company and the Union signed a Return To Work Agreement which provided that no fines would be imposed on employees who crossed the picket line.
Q: If I come to work during the strike or lockout, will my wage go down?
A: No, there will be no change in your current wage.
Q: If I come to work during the strike or lockout, will I receive Company provided benefits?
A: Yes, if you come to work during the strike, you will continue to receive Company provided benefits if you meet eligibility requirements.
Q: What is the impact on international students or teammates on a work permit if there is a strike or lock out?
A: There is no impact to either of these groups with respect to their ability to work in Canada in the event of a lawfully authorized strike or lockout. If teammates have specific questions on the impact of their work permits, they should contact Service Canada at 1800-622-6232 or the federal government’s Immigration and Citizenship Help Centre at this link:
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/index-featured-can.asp
Q: Why did Safeway apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board (LRB) for a “lockout poll”?
A: We applied for a “lockout poll” in response to the Union’s strike vote. Once the Union secures a strike vote the Union is only required to provide 72 hours’ notice of a strike. For the Company to be prepared for all potential outcomes, we conducted a “lockout poll” which is a requirement of the Alberta LRB. In the event UFCW Local 401 issues “strike notice”, the Company will respond with a “lockout notice” to ensure that we have all legal options available to protect our business.
We are hopeful that this step will not be required. We are committed to working with your union and the bargaining committee at the table from September 15 to 17 to reach an agreement that meets the needs of the teammates and the Safeway business.
Q: Can I collect EI while on strike/lockout?
A: No, EI has advised that teammates are not eligible for EI benefits while on strike/lockout.
Q: Do my company provided benefits continue while on strike?
A: No, Company provided benefits like Group Insurance and Weekly Indemnity would be cancelled during a strike.
The Union may choose to pay premiums for teammates on strike. If the Union does choose to pay the premiums you will be marked SP (self-pay) so that the system does not disqualify you from the plans once the strike ends.
Q: Are Employee Assistance Program (EFAP) services still available to teammates who are on strike or lockout?
A: Yes. EFAP services continue to be available to teammates on strike. Confidential support can be accessed anytime through TELUS Health by calling 1-833-531-4178 (24/7/365) or by visiting one.telushealth.com.
Q: I am currently on a WI, LTD or WCB claim, do my benefits continue?
A: Yes, established claims continue during period of the strike provided medical evidence continues to support disability.
Q: Do I still pay union dues when on strike/lockout?
A: As you will not be paid by the Employer, union dues will not be taken off your pay. Please contact your Union directly for more information.
Q: I have vacation scheduled during the strike/lockout; will I still be paid?
A: No, all vacations will be cancelled and rescheduled once the strike is over. You will not be entitled to any vacation pay during a strike as all payments by the Company cease during that time.
Q: If I come to work during a strike or lockout, can I still take vacation and get paid.
A: No, all vacations will be cancelled and rescheduled once the strike or lockout is over.
Q: What happens if I cannot take all my vacation before the end of the year because of the strike or lockout?
A: If your vacation is cancelled due to a strike or lockout, you can carry your vacation allotment into the 2027 vacation planning year.
Q: Can I take sick time while on strike?
A: No, you are not eligible to receive sick leave or pay while on strike.
Q: How do I get more information?
A: Go to www.safewaytalks.ca for regular updates.
Q: What should I do if I am approached by the media?
A: Direct all media requests to media@sobeys.com. Only authorized spokespeople may speak to the media about company-related issues.
