Bargaining Begins 

Negotiations for a new collective agreement for Local 247 Canada Safeway members began on April 29^th and 30^th with two full day meetings with each sides respective committees.

Representing the Company was:

Terri Griffing                 Labour Relations Staff Negotiator
Terry Hallam                Labour Relations Director
Dave Robertson           Human Resource Director
Cliff Yeo                      Human Resource Advisor
Arlette Lafreniere          Human Resource Advisor
Rino Pozzobon Store    Manager #20
Lorne Ingeberg Store    Manager #58

Your Union Committee tabled a full package of proposals while the Company responded with their non-monetary issues.  In our opening comments to the Employer, we stressed that we were there to deal with Safeway issues and not their competitors.  Many of the Company's proposals reflected their wish to discuss certain articles and their application and did not suggest specific changes. It was made clear that we do not feel the current system of production clerks and the 50-50 ratio is working for either party and in fact hindering the Company in hiring and retaining employees. A sub- committee was struck to deal with ATO issues after we conveyed our members' frustration with the current system. Most of the time was spent with both committees asking questions for clarification on intent and in caucus developing responses. Further bargaining dates will be announced shortly.

To view the proposal package tabled to the Company click here- Safeway Negotiations 2008 Proposals

 Meet Your Bargaining Committee

The following members will make up the Local 247 negotiations team at the bargaining table:

Hi. I am Brian Taylor and I am a Meat 2^nd at Safeway Store 23 in North Vancouver.  I’ve been with Safeway for 14 years.  This is my first time on the Committee and look forward to working for you.

Cathy Hoffman-Main works in the deli at Safeway Store 14 in Delta.  She has 30 years seniority and is new to the negotiating committee.  She looks forward to learning the process.

My name is Shona Smith and I’m currently the Deli Manager at Safeway Store 198 in Maple Ridge.  I recently had my 30 year anniversary with the Company and look forward to helping achieve the best possible contract for my fellow employees.

My name is Sharon Baillie and I have worked for Safeway for 19 years.  I have been a Shop Steward for the last 7 years.  I also sit on the Health & Safety Committee for the last 5-6 years.  This is my first time to have the opportunity to be a part of the Negotiating Committee.

My Name is James Fraser.  I began my career in the grocery industry as a General Clerk in 1985.  I was hired as a Production Clerk II at Canada Safeway in 1998.  I am now a full-time Meat Cutter at Safeway Store 126 in Terrace.

I have been a member of the UFCW for 18 years.  I have sat on 5 negotiating committees, worked as a temporary Union Representative, and taken an active role in organizing new members into the Union.  I am looking forward to representing my fellow employees’ in this round of bargaining.