Archives: Local News

Local News

Sept. 21 – Phone Issues – Surrey Office

We are currently experiencing phone issues at our Surrey Office.  If you are trying to reach your Union Rep, please email them directly or by emailing us at: ufcw@ufcw247.com

Mandatory Mask Policies and How They Work

Employer Policies Regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Many of the Employers we deal with have recently implemented mandatory mask policies for members at work. We have been receiving a high volume of calls from members with questions about their rights concerning these policies so we wanted to share the following facts:  As of May 14, […]

Sept. 30 deadline! 2 weeks left to win 2 iPads and $18,000 in scholarships

With two weeks left to apply for the 2020 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship program, time is running out for your chance to win one of 18 scholarships worth $1,000 each, or one of two Apple iPads. Each year, UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships to active members and their family members for post-secondary […]

Severance packages for Safeway members announced

Sobeys has announced today they will be rolling out severance packages for eligible Local 247 members working in Safeway stores. Local 247 meat cutters and meat, deli, seafood clerks at Safeway in BC will receive the offer directly from the company. There will be a minimum of 10 meat cutter severance packages, and 32 Meat, […]

Sobeys and 1518 Resolve Store Profitability Issue

Sobeys and 1518 have resolved their outstanding issue over the determination of profitable stores and their return to “A” status under the Ready award. The parties agreed that the following stores: Store 4946 (Terrace), 4936 (Shaughnessy), Store 4913 (Kensington), Store 4911 (Burnaby Heights), Store 4909 (Caufield), Store 4917 (McBride), Store 4974 (Cranbrook) and Store 4960 […]

Union assists new hires with classification error

Loblaws misclassified new hires as temporary workers   At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Canada, Loblaws employed an outside agency to hire hundreds of workers to assist in the sales boom in their retail outlets.   These employees were mistakenly classified as temporary workers in the payroll system, and benefits contributions were not […]

Labour Day 2020: Working together, we will come out of COVID stronger

 Each year in September, workers, union activists, and our community allies join together on Labour Day to celebrate the hard-fought gains of working people and to advocate for improvements to the lives of all Canadians.  This proud and storied tradition dates back more than a century, and through it all workers and their families have […]

Canada’s COVID-19 recovery must include women

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on workers and families across the country, but in many ways it has been women who have faced the brunt of the pandemic’s economic fallout. A July report by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) found that Canada has been shaken by a recession unlike any other. The recession […]

Loblaw DC Committee and Company reach agreement – (updated with details)

On August 27, a 15-person union negotiating committee comprised of 3 staff and 12 members representing  the three Loblaw Distribution Centers, came to an agreement with the Company on modifications to the current collective agreement. Discussions had carried on over eight sessions and were triggered by a recognition that the current wage scales did not reflect […]

Learn new money, math, and media literacy skills with webCampus

UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, can help you gain new skills in workplace math, money management, and media literacy with three core courses that are available to all UFCW Canada members, family members, and community partners completely free of charge. The free online courses are currently offered in English and are described as follows: […]

On August 29 masks to be mandatory for employees and customers at RCSS stores

Real Canadian Superstores are about to make wearing a mask mandatory for employees in their stores, and ask customers to comply with mask-wearing as well. No Frills has a message on their Facebook page that masks will be mandatory in their locations as well.  Public health officials are clear about the importance of wearing masks […]

Info, resources, and scholarships for Meatcutters

The Canadian Professional Meat Cutter's Association has created this website as a service and platform for the Meat Industry to encourage it’s diverse sectors to come together at a common meeting place to share information and challenges that are currently occurring in our industry, and hopefully in the long term, develop solutions through industry support & dialogue. […]

Sobeys Announces Mandatory Mask Wear in Supply Chain

Sobeys has announced a new National mask protocol and guideline for their supply chain locations that they hope will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Company sent us a memo outlining the new step which will become effective August 23rd. The memo speaks to -"mandatory mask wearing effective Sunday, August 23rd, 2020, for all […]

Build your skills in leadership, notetaking, and health and safety with new webCampus On-the-Go courses

UFCW Canada’s ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, continues to provide exciting and dynamic learning opportunities with the addition of five new “On-the-Go” courses focusing on leadership, notetaking, mental health, and more. Designed for busy learners, webCampus On-the-Go modules look at interesting topics and relevant skills that can be completed in 15 minutes or less. With no […]

Six weeks left to win two iPads and $18,000 in scholarships

With just over six weeks left to apply for the 2020 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship program, time is running out for your chance to win one of 18 scholarships worth $1,000 each, or one of two Apple iPads. Every year, UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships to active members and their family members […]

Telephone Town Hall Draw Winners

Manal Hammad – member at Superstore 1556 Herma Gonzalez – member at Superstore 1523 Ragbinder Ganger – member at BCTF Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated!  

UFCW joins unions around the world in calling on Cargill to stop union-busting in Turkey

Canada’s leading union for food workers, UFCW Canada, has joined in solidarity with unions and labour allies around the world in calling on global food processing giant Cargill to stop preventing workers in Turkey from expressing their democratic right to join a union. As part of the international action against Cargill, UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema […]

Calling all activists: Support the expansion of EI sickness benefits

Support the expansion of Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits in Canada by helping to achieve a fairer system for workers. Show your support for extending EI sickness benefits by sending a letter to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion. Click here for the full story, and to send a letter to the […]

Sobeys Buyout and Pension FAQ

Bisland Griffith, the Administrators of the UFCW Pension Plan have created a FAQ for members wondering about the impact of the Sobeys buyout on their Pension. You can view the document on the UFCW Pension Plan website here or simply click on the document here- Buyout FAQ

UFCW 247-Sobeys Memorandum of Settlement

Prior to the Safeway Town Hall call this Thursday we wanted to post the Memorandum of Settlement with Sobeys. This is the document we will be referring to and it contains the items agreed to in bargaining and the Final Offer Selection (FOS) Award from Arbitrator Hall. The negotiated items are at the front and […]

Pre-apprenticeship webCampus program for Butcher now available

UFCW Canada’s webCampus continues to break barriers with a new, free, and fully-online pre-apprenticeship program for members interested in becoming certified Butchers. Butcher, or meat cutter, is currently recognized as a skilled trade by four Canadian provinces – B.C., Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec – and this new webCampus program reflects the theory standards that one […]

National President Meinema meets with Parliamentary committee to advocate for UFCW members

UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema recently presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology about the need for major change in the grocery industry. Addressing the committee’s Members of Parliament, Brother Meinema expressed the union’s disappointment about the cancellation of “COVID-19 pandemic pay” and focused on the need for […]

Arbitrator Selects Employer Offer in Sobeys FOS- Update

On June 26th, Arbitrator John Hall heard argument from the Union and Sobeys on their Final Offer Selection positions. Prior to entering negotiations, we knew that many of the aspects of the Ready award would be difficult to avoid. On July 3rd he issued his decision in which he chose the proposal formulated by the […]

Arbitrator Selects Employer Offer in Sobeys FOS

Arbitrator John Hall has issued his decision in the Final Offer Selection process we just recently went through with Sobeys. In a “bottom line” decision he informed both parties that he “decided to select the final offer formulated by the Employer”. The Company submitted a position that mirrored the award issued by Special Officer Vince […]

Union and Loblaw DC’s meet, Retail Presentation Scheduled

On June 24th a 12-person committee representing members at the three (3) Loblaw distribution Centres met with representatives of the Company to discuss changes and a possible extension to the current Collective Agreement. There have been ongoing talks concerning the South Surrey facility since last fall and as a result of those talks, the Company […]

Leukemia research fundraising at Loblaws July 9 to July 26

Superstores and other Loblaws stores will once again be supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) by asking for $2 donations at their tills from July 9-26. This year’s campaign will once again fund much-needed research for a cure while improving the quality of life of those diagnosed, making a real difference to the more than 127,000 […]

Union and Sobeys Make FOS Arguments

As we previously explained, Letter of Understanding No. 29 requires that the final offer selection arbitrator hear submissions from each of the parties and then select one of the final offers as presented.  The final offer selection arbitrator does not have the power to change the expiration date of the collective agreement which is March […]

UFCW welcomes Emergency Processing Fund, with union support as factor in accessing resource

After weeks of sustained activism, UFCW Canada has secured improved health and safety protections for workers in the food processing sector by working with the federal government to have union support recognized as an important factor in accessing Canada’s $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund. The Emergency Processing Fund was first announced by the government in […]

UFCW 247 meatcutter James Haslam receives award from TRU

Congratulations to UFCW 247 member James Haslam, who has been awarded the CPMCA Award of Merit for the Thompson Rivers University Retail Meat Processing Foundation Program in Kamloops. James, a meat cutter at Safeway’s Broadway & MacDonald store in Vancouver, won the award for finishing at the top of his class. James was a recipient […]

Sobeys announces end to bonus pay

Sobeys has announced that June 13 will be the last day they pay a $2 per hour bonus to employees. In March, Sobeys, along with other major food retailers, began paying a temporary $2 per hour bonus to its employees effective March 8. Sobeys also announced they will pay a one-time bonus to employees, based […]

Loblaw advises $2 hour bonus pay ending June 13

Loblaw has advised the union that June 13 will be the final day $2 per hour bonus pay is paid. In late March, as public health officials were taking dramatic steps to stop the spread of Covid-19, Loblaws began paying a temporary $2 per hour bonus to its employees backdated to March 8. Loblaw also […]

UNI survey seeks input on work-life balance during COVID-19

In light of the major disruptions that the coronavirus has caused for working people around the world, UNI Global Union has launched a new survey seeking feedback on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected work-life balance for all members of society, and women and families in particular. “The coronavirus pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on working […]

UFCW Canada welcomes federal commitment to paid sick days

UFCW Canada is encouraged by the prime minister’s announcement that the federal government will work with the provinces to implement 10 paid sick days for all workers. “UFCW Canada has been calling for paid sick days since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our union welcomes this commitment from the federal government,” says UFCW […]

UFCW celebrates National Indigenous History Month – June 2020

In 2009, June was declared National Indigenous History Month in Canada following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. National Indigenous History month provides us with a time of reflection as we honour Indigenous culture, traditions, and contributions to society. It is an opportunity for us to observe, celebrate, and acknowledge […]

Telephone Town Hall Draw Winners

Tim Bellavance – member at the Prince George Superstore (1562) Bindu Sailesh – member at the Marine Drive Superstore (1517) Harshit Kumar – member at the Prince George Superstore (1562) Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated!  

Build your health and safety knowledge, skills with new webCampus courses

UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, has launched two new health and safety courses that can help you address hazards in your workplace and ensure that you have proper ventilation and good air quality at work.   The free online courses are being offered in English and are available to all UFCW Canada members and […]

Council of Canadians shows solidarity with UFCW food processing members

The Council of Canadians has joined the call to help UFCW Canada members at meat-packing plants >across the country by formally supporting our union’s campaign to protect food processing workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In statement titled “Solidarity with UFCW Workers during COVID-19,” the council says that it stands in full solidarity with UFCW Canada […]

TONIGHT! Telephone Town Hall at 7:00pm (PST)

The next “Telephone Town Hall” for UFCW 247 members takes place tonight.  DATE: Thursday, May 28 TIME:  7:00pm (Pacific time) If we have your current phone number, all you have to do is answer your phone when we call you! (If we have your cellphone number on file, that is the number we will call; […]

$2 Covid pay still in effect as B.C.’s minimum wage to increase on June 1

The vast majority of UFCW 247 members continue to receive the $2 per hour premium pay introduced by most food industry employers in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The union continues to monitor this situation closely. In the US, the massive Kroger grocery company received a backlash after announcing it was ending $2 Covid pay […]

Loblaws announces end of “scratch baking” in Western Canada

Loblaws has just announced they are eliminating the last of the scratch baking in Western Canada and moving to an entirely par baked product as they have done in Eastern Canada.   Currently, approximately 75% of the bakery product offering is par baked, with the remainder baked from scratch in store. Par baked products are […]

Deadline to apply for $8,000 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship extended

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline to apply for the 2020 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship, worth up to $8,000, has been extended to July to give applicants more time to complete their applications. As part of the extension, the online application for the scholarship (Part A) is due by July 10, 2020. To allow more […]

Covid-19 survey for B.C. residents

The BC Centre for Disease Control has created a Covid-19 survey for B.C. residents. "B.C. has flattened the curve and we are preparing to carefully re-start services, the economy and our lives. Your input is important as we develop our action plans," says the BC CDC. With most UFCW 247 members working on the front […]

Pledge your support for frontline workers

We’re UFCW union members and your neighbours on the frontline, working day and night across the country to make sure you have the food, healthcare, security and vital services you need to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis. With your help, let’s make sure that health, safety and fairness are top priorities today and everyday […]

Mental Health Matters: Surviving COVID-19 webinar engages thousands on social media

With the COVID-19 pandemic presenting a range of new stressors and challenges for workers across the country, UFCW Canada has launched a new series of webinars aimed at helping Canadians maintain their mental health in this time of crisis. The first webinar in the series, titled “Mental Health Matters: Surviving COVID-19,” was a major success […]

Premier outlines plan to restart B.C. safely

British Columbians will move forward with safely restarting their province beginning in mid-May, according to a plan announced by Premier John Horgan. Under B.C.’s Restart Plan, government will work closely with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health […]

Loblaw President Announces Premium Extended to May 30th

Earlier today Loblaw President Sarah Davies released a document that was circulated among employees that announced the extension of the Essential Service Pay Premium to the end of May. This is the $2 per hour premium that was first introduced in March and has seen multiple extensions.

FOS vs s.106 of the Labour Relations Code: Two Different Processes

UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys will have the re-opener of the Collective Agreement decided by Final Offer Selection process pursuant to LOU No. 29.  LOU No. 29 requires that the final offer selection arbitrator hear submissions from each of the parties and then select one of the final offers as presented.  The final offer selection arbitrator does […]

By the Numbers: Canadians buying more food, spending more on groceries during COVID-19

A new Angus Reid survey on Canadian attitudes and behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic finds that the coronavirus has dramatically changed grocery shopping habits in Canada, with families saying they are buying more food and spending more on groceries than is normally the case. Entitled “COVID-19: Weekly Monitoring of Canadian Perceptions & Behaviour – Wave […]

FG Deli extends Appreciation Premium to May 30th

On April 29, management at FG Deli informed staff that the Appreciation Premium would be extended to the end of May. In their words, "It will be evaluated at that time to determine whether any further extensions are warranted."

Union and Sobeys Agree on FOS Dates

UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys have confirmed dates for a Final Offer Selection (FOS) hearing to resolve the negotiations that began last October. The parties will first present argument on May 20 on a preliminary issue and then full submissions to be made and argued on June 25 and 26. Both processes will be heard […]

#StopThePandemicAtWork on National Day of Mourning – April 28

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a time when Canadians across the country remember workers who have been killed, disabled, injured, or made ill on the job. The Day of Mourning is also a time for action, and this year’s focus is the global COVID-19 pandemic. While everyone is being affected by this international […]

UFCW 247 asks Loblaw to Postpone No Tax Sale

Loblaw has announced that in their Real Canadian Superstore locations in every province west of Quebec, they will be holding a “No Tax” event to run from Friday April 24th to Thursday April 30th. The sale pertains to non-food items such as toys, clothing, patio furniture, etc. UFCW 247 and other UFCW Locals in Canada […]

Improve your health and safety knowledge, skills with webCampus

Front-line workers are getting a lot of well-deserved praise and attention as they help keep us fed and safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And the law is very clear about employers’ responsibilities to keep all workers safe from hazards and harm on the job. UFCW Canada’s ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, makes being aware of your […]

By the Numbers: Grocery shopping habits during COVID-19

A new survey of Canadian attitudes and behaviour during the COVID-19 crisis finds that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted the grocery shopping habits of Canadians and their families, with a majority of people saying they are buying more food products than they normally would.  Entitled “COVID-19: Weekly Monitoring of Canadian Perceptions & Behaviour – […]

3 ways employers can help food retail workers on the front line

UFCW grocery members continue to work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing their best to ensure that Canadians and their families get the food, beverages, and supplies they need to stay healthy and safe during this crisis. But in working through the pandemic, members are understandably concerned about their health, […]

Bonus pay for Safeway members extended to mid-May

Safeway (Sobeys) has announced they will be extending their recent bonus pay improvements until mid-May. The company also indicated that they now have more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) available for members, such as gloves, face shields, and sanitation stations. 

Homemade protective masks donated this weekend for union members

Homemade protective masks have been donated this weekend to UFCW Local 247 members at some stores in Metro Vancouver, and the union is grateful to Erin Chapple of Burnaby (#makemasks) for her efforts. Erin wrote to Dan Goodman, Secretary Treasurer of UFCW Local 247, saying: “I am so impressed with the staff at my local […]

Loblaw extends $2 Premium to Mid-May

We have been informed by Loblaw that they have decided to extend the Essential Service Pay Premium program and review it again in mid-May. Similar to other retailers in the industry, in mid March Loblaw announced a $2 hour premium for employees, retroactive to March 8th.    Many companies have begun paying a “premium” on […]

Superstore employee registers a presumptive positive on COVID-19 test

An employee at a #1520 Grandview RCSS has registered a presumptive positive on a test for COVID-19. The Company informed the Union late Wednesday evening of the positive test and we agreed to allow them to communicate the result to store employees before posting anything. Union representatives were in the location Thursday, talking to members and dealing […]

Loblaws introducing voluntary temperature checks for fever

The union has been advised by Loblaws that the company will be introducing voluntary temperature checks in stores and warehouses for staff. Members will have access to a “no touch” forehead thermometer, located at their store or warehouse, so they can check their temperature for fever upon arrival at work. Because fever is typically among […]

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application now open

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application now open The CERB application portal opened today and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can begin to apply for the benefit according to their birth month. You can access the CERB application here To see answers to frequently asked questions about the CERB, click here Prime Minister Trudeau […]

Explore all that webCampus has to offer while social distancing at home

Thinking back a few weeks ago, before the COVID-19 outbreak became a global pandemic, many of us had a long list of things that we needed to get done. These things had priority at the time because we were busy contributing to our work and family. You might have even said to yourself, “I don’t have time […]

5 ways customers can do their part

Workers like UFCW 247 members on the frontlines of this pandemic are doing their part to make sure everyone gets the food and supplies they need from retail stores safely and efficiently. Customers need to do their part to help. 5 ways customers can do their part: One customer per cartStores are limiting how many […]

Cold Logic members (Sobeys warehouse) latest to receive premium pay

UFCW 247 members working at the Cold Logic (Sobeys) warehouse are the latest members to receive premium pay during the COVID-19 crisis. Union members at Cold Logic will receive: an additional $50 a week, regardless of the number of hours worked; if you work more than 20 hours a week, you will receive an additional […]

FG Deli provides premium pay, more safety measures for members

FG Deli Group, which employs UFCW 247 members at its facility in Langley, has announced it will provide premium pay of $2.00 per hour, retroactive to March 8, 2020. This is a temporary program that will be effective from March 8, 2020 to May 2, 2020, and it may be extended if needed. Members’ pay […]

New resource details federal support for workers affected by COVID-19

With more and more workers facing uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has launched a multi-billion-dollar aid package providing income support and benefits to workers impacted by the crisis, and a new resource from UFCW Canada helps workers and their families navigate and track this support. Called the “Federal government’s COVID-19 response: Income supports […]

Updated premium pay info for members working in Loblaws stores

Loblaws has provided details of how UFCW 247 members working for Loblaws company stores (Superstore, Extra Foods, No Frills, etc.) will receive their COVID-19  $2.00 per hour premium pay: All colleagues/employees on Workday Weekly paid colleagues/employees on Workday will see the first of these premiums deposited on their April 2nd pay, including a lump sum […]

On the Front Lines: UFCW food manufacturing members

While a growing number of businesses are closing as part of escalating government measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, UFCW food manufacturing members remain on the front lines of the crisis working hard to supply grocery stores and help feed Canadians and their families during the coronavirus pandemic. Whether they are producing breads, cakes, […]

Safeway members – health benefit coverage extended to May 31

Safeway members – health benefit coverage extended to May 31 The Trustees of the UFCW Health and Welfare Trust Plan recognize that our members and their families are experiencing varying levels of uncertainty during this global crisis. As a result, the Trustees have approved benefit coverage continuance to assist those who may struggle to meet the minimum […]

Enjoy webCampus from the comfort of your home

Ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic mean that more and more of us will be spending time at home in the coming days and weeks. If you have been wanting to acquire new knowledge and skills, but haven’t yet had the chance to do so, now is an excellent time to take advantage of the amazing […]

Plexiglass barriers at Superstore checkstands (photos)

Below are photos of the new plexiglass barriers being installed by Loblaws in Superstore locations:  The union continues to be advised that employers are working as quickly as possible to put these protections in place for members working in the stores.

Fresh St. Markets rolls out $2 per hour premium pay

UFCW Local 247 members working at Fresh St. Markets Fleetwood (Surrey) and West Vancouver locations are the latest grocery store workers to receive $2 per hour premium pay. The additional $2 per hour will be applied to all hours worked between March 8 and April 30, 2020. The company advises that as the April 30 […]

Sobeys announces bonus pay

Sobeys has provided the following bulletin to the union regarding bonus pay for Sobeys (Safeway) members: SOBEYS COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) – Update #10 March 22, 2020  Support for our Operations Heroes!  Our operations teams are playing an absolutely vital role in providing Canadians with the food, medicine and essentials they need for their families […]

Loblaws to pay $2 per hour bonus retroactive to March 8

Although it has not yet been formally announced, Loblaws will be paying a bonus of  $2 per hour to all current members in their retail banner stores and distribution centre who are actively working. This is in recognition of the incredible job retail food and distribution centre members have been doing in the face of […]

Loblaws and Sobeys announce new COVID-19 protections

Loblaws and Sobeys have announced a number of new safety measures they are introducing to protect employees and customers from the COVID-19 virus. (see below) “This is a really stressful time to be working in the stores,” says Dan Goodman, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 247, “and we ask members to continue doing all they can […]

On the Front Lines: Canada’s food retail workers

As communities across the country continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW Canada members are on the front lines working to help Canadians get the food, supplies, and sanitation products they need to stay healthy and safe. This is especially true of the tens of thousands of UFCW members working in the food retail […]

Union in talks with grocery employers about employee safety

UFCW Local 247 members in busy grocery stores are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, and the union wants members to know union leadership and staff are in discussion with employers to improve safe practices and protections for members. “We have contacted Loblaws, Sobeys, and other retail grocers, to talk about active measures […]

New hotline number for non-medical COVID-19 questions

A new telephone hotline has been created to take pressure off BC's existing health line, 811. 811 is the number British Columbians should continue to call to reach health professionals if you or a family member are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or any other health-related issue.  The new hotline is meant for non-medical questions as […]

COVID-19 info for UFCW Local 247 members

COVID-19 info for UFCW Local 247 members Since it erupted in early 2020, the COVID-19 virus has triggered the biggest public health crisis in 100 years. Staff at UFCW Local 247 have monitored the situation closely for its impact on union members, remained in regular contact with the employers, and stayed up to date with […]

International Women’s Day – March 8

International Women's Day – March 8 International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe each year on March 8 after its first occurrence in 1911. This year’s theme is: An equal world is an enabled world. Gender equality is essential for families, organizations, governments, economies and communities to thrive. A gender equal world can be healthier, […]

Labour movement celebrates paid leave for workers dealing with domestic and sexual violence

The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) is lauding the BC government’s announcement of five days of paid leave for workers fleeing domestic and sexual violence. Under current laws, workers fleeing violence face lost wages, making it harder for them to access the supports and services they need.   “Today’s announcement is a significant step forward […]

Update on Safeway (Sobeys) negotiations

As reported on February 20, the union is preparing for a Final Offer Selection arbitration with Sobeys regarding the Safeway contract. (No date is yet set for Final Offer Selection arbitration to take place.) Recent developments in mediation hearings between UFCW Local 1518 and Sobeys are likely to have an impact on UFCW 247’s positions. […]

SAY NO TO CONVERSION THERAPY IN CANADA

 Calling all UFCW Canada activists and allies: your urgent support is needed to help stop the backward practice of conversion therapy, which is ruining lives in the LGBTQ2IS community and encouraging discriminatory and harmful attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender identity in Canada. Conversion therapy includes any measure taken by any person, business, or organization […]

webCampus: free online courses for union members and their families

webCampus is UFCW Canada’s premiere online training platform for UFCW Local 247 union members and their families. Our courses are designed to engage participants, and are absolutely free to members and their families. Whether you want to upgrade your skills or learn new ones, you can learn on any device connected to the internet. For […]

Mediation for Safeway negotiations sees limited progress

On February 18, the Union Bargaining Committee for Safeway and company representatives met for a day of contract talks with the assistance of mediator Mr. Wayne Moore.  While there were some issues resolved, by the end of the day the major issues remained outstanding. At this time, it appears that Final Offer Selection arbitration will need […]

Telephone Town Hall Draw Winners

The Draw winners from yesterday's Telephone Town Hall are: Sarah MacLean – FreshCo Maple Ridge Himyt Kang – Delta Superstore Jonathan Lambeth – Victoria Superstore Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated!  

Apply now for the 2020 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship

The UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship application process is now open to eligible applicants across North America. For over 60 years, the UFCW International Union has awarded union scholarships to recognize UFCW members and their dependents in both Canada and the United States. As part of the union scholarship program, the UFCW Charity Foundation awards several scholarships of up to […]

INSTAGRAM
your union
YOUR BENEFITS
YOUR AGREEMENT
Health & Safety
EDUCATION
Community
News
need a union?
COVID 19-INFO
CHANGE ADDRESS

JOIN NEWSLETTER

CONTACT US
SEARCH