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 […]

UFCW 832 activist Bea Bruske announces candidacy for Canadian Labour Congress President

UFCW Canada is proud to announce that UFCW Local 832 activist Bea Bruske is running for president of  the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). Together with Siobhan Vipond, who is running for executive vice-president of the CLC, Bruske is promising to unite the labour movement and build a stronger future for all workers as part of the […]

Show your heart this February 14

On February 14, activists can show their heart and share their solidarity for a better future for First Nations children, and for justice and safety for women and girls. Have a Heart Day is an annual call to bring equal funding and services to First Nations children living on reserve. Sponsored by the First Nations Children and […]

UFCW Canada observes Black History Month – February 2020

Every February, we honour Black History Month by reflecting on the contributions made and the challenges faced by Black Canadians throughout history. More than 1.2 million Canadians self-identify as Black, in a country where racism too often remains a reality and an insidious obstacle in our workplaces and our communities. In fact, a recent survey […]

February 13 – next Telephone Town Hall at 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

UFCW Local 247 has members living in every corner of B.C., and beyond. To better connect our widespread membership with the latest news and information from the union, we use Telephone Town Halls 4 times per year. The next “Telephone Town Hall” for UFCW 247 members will take place as follows: DATE: Thursday, February 13 TIME:  7:00pm (Pacific time) […]

BDM Scholarship helps UFCW 247 member focus on school

Krista Buder is one of eighteen winners of the UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship. Currently enrolled in the Kinesiology program at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus, Krista is a proud UFCW 247 member who works at Real Canadian Superstore. Sister Buder had the following to say about winning a UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship: "Thank […]

Safeway negotiations update: one-day mediation Feb. 18

The Union Bargaining Committee for Safeway last met with the Company on November 14, when both sides put forward positions on the outstanding non-monetary issues, and by the end of the day, most of those were resolved. However, the limited discussion on monetary items went nowhere, as the Company insisted it wanted the same rollbacks […]

Share your opinion for a chance to win a $500 gift card!

UFCW Canada members are invited to share their thoughts by participating in a new survey — with a chance to win a $500 gift card! In 2019, thousands of UFCW members were invited to participate in research that UFCW Canada is conducting to learn more about Members’ Values: what UFCW Canada members from coast-to-coast feel […]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

On behalf of President Suzanne Hodge and Secretary-Treasurer Dan Goodman, the staff and Executive Board of UFCW Local 247 wish all members and    their families a safe and happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year in 2020! 

UFCW 247 Women’s Committee brings Christmas baking to women’s shelter

Earlier this week, members of the UFCW Local 247 Women's Committee spent the day at a women's shelter doing Christmas baking with and for the women and their children residing there. (Pictured l-r are Sandra Peters, Kathleen Allen, and Dawn Stevenson) The UFCW 247 Women’s Committee takes on activities that make a difference in the day-to-day lives […]

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Toronto – December 4, 2019 – On December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, communities across the country gather to commemorate and reflect upon the tragic loss of fourteen women students at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique, who were brutally murdered in 1989 simply because they were female.  Thirty years later, young […]

Celebration of Life for Les Hague

Sadly, Les Hauge lost his battle with cancer on November 20, 2019. His family will be hosting a Memorial Service this Monday December 2: Langley Gospel Hall at 2pm, at 4775 221st St. V2Z 1M7 Les worked with many of us over the years and his family would love to see his Safeway family come […]

17th ANNUAL SHOE MEMORIAL – DECEMBER 6

The 17th annual Shoe Memorial in Vancouver takes place Friday, December 6 at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Georgia St. side). The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the ceremony starting at 1:00 pm. The Shoe Memorial honours the memory of murdered women with a powerful visual display of a set of shoes […]

Telephone Town Hall Draw Winners

The winners from our November 21 Telephone Town Hall draws are: Askhay Anand – member at Safeway 4970 Monica Plante – member at YIG 1815 Fidela Abarca – member at Superstore 1562 Congratulations!

Win a $100 gift card through UFCW bakes cake decorating contest

Attention all UFCW Canada members and family members: do you have a knack for cake baking? Are you interested in showing off your creative cake and decorating flair? Would you like to win a $100 grocery store gift card? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then the UFCW Bakes Cake Decorating Contest […]

Safeway Negotiations Stall

The Union Bargaining Committee for Safeway met with the Company on November 14 with the hope of regaining some of the momentum lost in the previous set of meetings. Both sides tabled positions on the outstanding non-monetary issues and by the end of the day most were resolved and there was some limited discussion on […]

November 21 – next Telephone Town Hall @ 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

UFCW Local 247 has members living in every corner of B.C., and beyond. To better connect our widespread membership with the latest news and information from the union, we use Telephone Town Halls 4 times per year. The next “Telephone Town Hall” for UFCW 247 members will take place as follows: DATE: Thursday, November 21 TIME:  7:00pm (Pacific time) […]

Upgrade your skills with new webCampus courses for November

UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, is launching four new courses for November that can help you become an effective health food clerk, learn more about emergency preparedness and response, and better understand health and safety law. The free online courses are being offered in English and are available to all UFCW Canada members and […]

Important info for union members working for Loblaw

The union has just been notified that Loblaw has a new procedure for employees to advise the company of a change to their address.  You no longer need to call the Colleague Info Centre, but instead log in to “Workday”.  Workday is the program that Loblaw now has that employees can use to change their […]

Safeway negotiations resume November 14

The Union Bargaining Committee for Safeway met on October 23-24, and negotiations on non-monetary issues continued.  The Union Bargaining Committee was focused on issues related to scheduling and availability, but little to no progress was made on these issues.  Further negotiations are scheduled for November 14. The Union Safeway Bargaining Committee is Sharon Tuerlings, Alicia Whitehead, […]

UFCW 247 Scholarship and Education Grant winners

Congratulations to all those selected, and a reminder that information and applications for scholarships and education grants for UFCW 247 members and their dependants can be found here: SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: Marilyn Rivas, dependant of member at Superstore 1556 Maria Minassian, member at Superstore 1558 Kelsey Guesford, member at Safeway 4924 Harjot Randhawa, dependant of member […]

Vancouver Light the Night fundraiser 

The annual Vancouver "Light the Night" fundraising walk took place October 19 in Stanley Park under clearing skies and with a great turnout.  Thanks to all those who came out for this terrific fundraising event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Over the last 30+ years, UFCW Canada has raised over $43 million, including […]

Safeway negotiations update

The Union Bargaining Committee for Safeway met on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The committee has made some progress working through some of the non-monetary issues that were proposed. They have two additional bargaining days set for October 23-24, where the committee hopes to continue working through those proposals.   The Union Safeway Bargaining Committee is Sharon Tuerlings, […]

Douglas O’Halloran, 1953-2019

Douglas O’Halloran, President of UFCW 401 for three decades, a UFCW International Vice President, and a pillar of the UFCW family and the labour movement, passed away peacefully on October 14 after a long illness, surrounded by his family. "Doug has been a good friend to UFCW Local 247 and we were, and are, very grateful […]

Endless Savings & More (ESM): Discounts on your smart phone for UFCW 247 Members

Download a UFCW 247 version of the Endless Savings & More App to save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses including national chain retailers, service and travel providers. Powered by Endless Savings & More (ESM), this program is available to UFCW 247 members and their families. How It Works: • Install the UFCW 247 version […]

Safeway bargaining update – negotiations underway

On October 1, Sobeys officials met with UFCW Local 247 and UFCW Local 1518 senior officials. In this meeting, Sobeys shared more detailed financial reports for both unions. On October 2-3, bargaining between Local 247 and Safeway began. Both parties exchanged proposals, and it came as no surprise to the Union Bargaining Committee that some […]

UFCW OUTreach launches new survey for LGBTQ+ members, allies

Attention all UFCW Canada members: your union’s constituency group for LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy, UFCW OUTreach, wants to hear from you! UFCW OUTreach has launched a new online survey aimed at measuring the impact of union values on LGBTQ+ workers. Your response is vital and once you access the survey, you can choose to complete it […]

Brew Up these UFCW-made products on International Coffee Day

October 1 is International Coffee Day – a day when we celebrate all things coffee and recognize the millions of people around the world who work hard to create and serve the beverage we all know and love. UFCW members proudly make a number of delicious coffee products, so on October 1, consider brewing up […]

UFCW Local 247 Scholarships & Education Grants-deadline Monday Sept. 30!

UFCW Local 247 Scholarships & Education Grants-deadline Monday Sept. 30! UFCW Local 247 is committed to awarding up to TEN (10) $1,500 scholarships each year to qualified member or their eligible dependants for full-time  enrollment (as defined by the educational institution).  It is also committed to awarding up to EIGHT (8) $750 Education assistance grants for part-time continuing studies or academic […]

UFCW Canada launches new resource for federal election

With the 2019 Federal Election campaign now underway, UFCW Canada has launched a new resource aimed at helping members and their families explore the key issues facing working people in this election, and learn more about where the parties stand on child care, the economy, retirement security, and more. Called “UFCW Votes,” the new resource encourages UFCW Canada […]

The Shoe Memorial is December 6 – can you donate a pair of shoes?

The Vancouver Shoe Memorial takes place each year on December 6 at the Vancouver Art Gallery. (Click here for TV coverage of the 2018 Shoe Memorial.) The Shoe Memorial honours the memory of murdered women by placing a set of shoes for each victim on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, with their names displayed. You can help, […]

Arbitrator rules against union in FreshCo decision

In August we posted on the the decision of arbitrator McPhilips to choose the Company proposal with respect to the FOS hearing on the FreshCo wage scales. We have reviewed the decision with Legal counsel and have been visiting the FreshCo locations to discuss the decision with members. In our submission, Local 247 argued that […]

Union and Sobeys meet; talks scheduled for October

The Union Bargaining Committee for UFCW Local 247’s Safeway members met last week to discuss and prepare for negotiations, and later in the week met with the employer. Prior to meeting the employer, the Union Committee met among themselves to review issues relevant to UFCW 247 members and to discuss the Ready Award that was […]

Labour Day 2019 events around BC

Campbell River, Courtenay & District Labour Day Picnic  Merville Hall, 1245 Fenwick Road, Merville B.C. Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. East Kootenay District Labour Day Picnic Rotary Park, 100 – 10th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C. Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://www.eastkootenaylabour.ca/ Fraser Valley Labour Day Celebration Mill Lake […]

New resource helps you buy Canadian, union-made food

UFCW Canada, the union for food workers, has released a new resource for members, allies, and consumers that can help you and your family buy high quality, Canadian-made food by shopping union at your local grocery store. Dubbed “Great Canadian Food Products,” the new resource features dozens of delicious food products that are proudly made and sold by […]

Is your contact info up to date?

Is your contact info up to date? Does the union have your current address and contact information?  We have created a pop-up balloon that allows UFCW Local 247 members to quickly and easily update your contact information. You will see this pop-up for the next while when you go to UFCW 247's homepage. It really […]

Labour, health, environmental groups call on Canada’s grocers to ditch toxic receipts

Organizations seek the phase out of BPA and BPS on receipts by 2020 to protect cashiers and customers. Toronto – August 20, 2019 – UFCW Canada, Breast Cancer Action Quebec, Environmental Defence Canada, and Mind the Store have joined forces to launch a public campaign urging Canada’s leading grocery retail giants – Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, […]

Telephone Town Hall Today at 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

UFCW Local 247 has members living in every corner of B.C., and beyond. To better connect our widespread membership with the latest news and information from the union, we use Telephone Town Halls 4 times per year. If we have your current phone number, all you have to do is answer your phone when we call you tonight […]

Sobeys bargaining committee to hear financial presentation

On August 28th the Union Negotiating Committee that will represent members at the bargaining table with Sobeys will be given a presentation from a Vice-President of Operations for the Company on the financial status of Safeway stores in British Columbia. A similar presentation was given to Local 1518 last year when they met with the […]

New webCampus courses can help you become a better labour activist

UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampus, has launched four new labour studies courses that can help you conduct effective meetings and investigations, get involved in activism, and be more inclusive at work and in your community. The free online courses are being offered in English and are available to all UFCW Canada members and their […]

Alberta UFCW Local 401’s Doug O’Halloran steps down

UFCW Local 401's long-serving President Doug O'Halloran has announced that he will be stepping down as President of the Local as a result of a lengthy illness. Doug had been at the helm of UFCW Local 401 for three decades, and UFCW Local 247's President Suzanne Hodge and all of the staff extend their best […]

Additional Severance Offers for Impacted Safeway Okanagan Members

As a result of our discussions under Section 54, we have been successful in our push for Sobeys to agree to offer additional voluntary severances to Grid A members in the stores that will continue to operate as Safeway in Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon. Earlier this year Sobeys announced that 6 additional Safeway stores would […]

More Superstore members receive back pay after union intervenes

Union members working in a Superstore Produce department are the latest to receive back pay after their Union Representative reviewed their schedules and found errors. The company has agreed to pay 159 hours in back wages to the affected members. So far in 2019, a number of UFCW Local 247 members employed at Superstores have […]

Home insurance discounts available for UFCW 247 members!

June saw the launch of the Endless Savings & More App for UFCW Local 247 members and their families that gives union members and their families opportunities to save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses, including national chain retailers, service, and travel providers. Now you can save on home insurance through the Endless Savings & More […]

Final Arguments Made in Hearing Over FreshCo Collective Agreement

UFCW 247 and Company representatives had their opportunity to make final arguments today over the outstanding issues concerning a collective agreement to cover Local 247 members at the new FreshCo banner. The Company has announced plans to convert multiple Safeway Stores in the province to their discount banner. As part of the earlier negotiations process […]

Build your skills with new webCampusPLUS courses for Summer

UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampusPLUS, is launching three new courses this summer that can help you build your skills in stewarding, arbitration, and problem solving at work.  The free online courses are being offered in English and are available to all UFCW Canada members and their family members, as well as our community partners. The […]

159 hours of wages paid to YIG members over scheduling issues

Another group of UFCW Local 247 members (this time at a YIG store) is about to be paid a total of 159 hours in wages after their Union Representative reviewed their schedules and found numerous issues. 2019 has seen a large number of UFCW 247 members compensated for scheduling errors and issues. Last week we […]

Union helps Safeway member get almost $5000 owed for relief work

A UFCW Local 247 Union Representative’s investigation has resulted in a member working at Safeway receiving a lump sum payment of $4872.52 for not being paid properly by the company for relief work. The Safeway member was not compensated for the relief work they performed for over 8 months for the employer. If you are […]

UFCW calls on federal government to protect Canada’s meat sector in wake of certificate mishap

UFCW Canada, the country’s leading union for workers in the meat sector, is calling for swift action from the federal government in response to China’s ban on Canadian pork and beef shipments after inauthentic pork export certificates were discovered. “Canada’s meat industry is an integral part of our economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue […]

Endless Savings & More (ESM): Discounts on your smart phone for UFCW 247 Members

Download a UFCW 247 version of the Endless Savings & More App to save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses including national chain retailers, service and travel providers. Powered by Endless Savings & More (ESM), this program is available to UFCW 247 members and their families.  How It Works: Install the UFCW 247 version […]

$2.37 million raised this year as UFCW Canada lifetime fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada now tops $43.7 million

 (l-r) Ted Moroz, President, The Beer Store;  Wayne Hanley, President, Local 1006A; Alicia Talarico, President, LLSC; Paul Meinema, National President, UFCW Canada; Kelly Tosato, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 175; Jeff Traeger, President, Local 832; Jim McLean, Local 175; Barry Sawyer, National Office; Karen Vaughn, Recorder, Local 175; Shawn Haggerty, President, Local 175; John Nock, President, Local 12R24; […]

UFCW Canada Honours National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month. Throughout the month, we honour Indigenous culture, traditions, and contributions in society. UFCW Canada headquarters are situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. According to Mississaugas of the Credit historical treaties, prior to European contact, the ancestors of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation […]

Join us to Light the Night on October 19 at Stanley Park

The annual Light the Night walk takes place this year on Saturday, October 19, at Lumberman’s Arch, in Stanley Park, and you are invited to join us for a memorable evening! The Light the Night walk raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and the fight to cure blood-related cancers. We invite and […]

The 3 winners from last night’s Telephone Town Hall draw are:

Janie Meyer – member at Safeway Store 4912 in Langley Cecilia Evidente – member at Superstore 1520 in Vancouver Tara Soukeroff – member at Kurtis' No Frills in Trail. They will each receive a $100 gift card. Congratulations!

Improvements to the UFCW Local 247 Benefit Trust Fund

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that for all claims incurred on or after July 1, 2019, the following improvement has been made to your Plan: dental claims will be reimbursed on the 2019 British Columbia Dental Fee Guide. Several new benefits have been added to your Plan, for all claims incurred on […]

Safeway Announce Six More Stores to Convert to FreshCo

UFCW members from both Local 1518 and 247 in six Safeway locations were notified early yesterday that the Company planned to convert their stores to FreshCo, the new discount banner recently introduced in the province. The six stores are all outside of the lower mainland which makes dealing with the conversion even more challenging with […]

Telephone Town Hall June 4 – 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

UFCW Local 247 has members living in every corner of B.C., and beyond. To better connect our widespread membership with the latest news and information from the union, we use Telephone Town Halls 4 times per year. The next “Telephone Town Hall” for UFCW 247 members will take place as follows: DATE: Tuesday, June 4 TIME:  7:00pm (Pacific […]

Dates set for FreshCo hearing

Arbitrator David McPhillips will hear oral submissions on July 15 as part of the Final Offer Selection arbitration hearing between UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys to settle terms for a new contract in former Safeway stores that are converting to FreshCo stores. The parties will both submit their final offer positions on June 14 and […]

2 more Superstore members receive big back pay after union steps in

Two more Superstore members have received substantial back pay after being promoted but not receiving premium pay. One member received back pay of $4012.00, while the other received back pay of $1474.00. So far in 2019, a number of UFCW Local 247 members employed at Superstores have received wage increases and substantial back pay after […]

BC Tree Fruits is moving, forgets to tell union

BC Tree Fruits has enjoyed considerable success in the Okanagan in recent years, creating  award-winning ciders and employing between 350-550 seasonal workers who are members of UFCW Local 247. On May 7, management at BC Tree Fruits talked with UFCW Local 247 staff. It was curious, then, that it somehow slipped their minds to advise the […]

Arbitrator David McPhillips to conduct FreshCo contract hearings

Arbitrator David McPhillips will conduct Final Offer Selection arbitration hearings between UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys to settle terms for a new contract in former Safeway stores that are converting to FreshCo stores. At this time, no hearing dates have yet been confirmed. As previously reported, the Union and Sobeys had met to discuss the FreshCo […]

2 more Superstore members receive wage increases, back pay after union steps in

2 more Superstore members receive wage increases, back pay after union steps in Two more UFCW Local 247 members working at Superstore have received wage increases and back pay  after the union investigated their schedules and seniority reports. In the first case, while checking a seniority report, the Union Rep noticed a Cashier’s rate of pay […]

Deadline to apply for the 2019 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship, worth up to $8,000, is May 12, 2019.

The deadline to apply for the 2019 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship, worth up to $8,000, is May 12, 2019. Every year, the UFCW Charity Foundation awards several scholarships of up to $8,000 each to UFCW members or their unmarried dependents to cover post-secondary tuition fees over a period of four years. Every year, one scholarship is […]

UFCW 247 and Sobeys-Safeway heading to FOS on FreshCo

UFCW 247 and Sobeys-Safeway heading to FOS on FreshCo As previously reported, the Union and Sobeys recently met to discuss the FreshCo banner and a collective agreement for UFCW 247 members who would be employed in these locations. Although we were able to resolve the majority of issues, the Union is not in agreement with […]

National Day of Mourning is April 28

Each year on April 28, union members and their allies from across the country gather, light candles, and wear ribbons to pay their respects and remember the thousands of women and men who have been killed or injured, or have suffered illnesses as a result of work-related incidents. First recognized over 25 years ago, the National […]

UFCW 247 and Sobeys-Safeway meeting April 23 on FreshCo

UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys-Safeway will be meeting to discuss and manage the impacts on UFCW Local 247 members working in the Safeway stores slated to close and re-open as FreshCo stores. The meeting date has now been scheduled for April 23, and the Union and Company will meet next week to review where to […]

Union and Sobeys Meet on FreshCo Agreement

Negotiations for a FreshCo collective agreement began last week as we met with the Company on April 3rd and 4th. As you might expect the Company is looking for an agreement similar if not identical to the one imposed on Local 1518 by "Special Officer" Vince Ready. We have continued to exchange language and have […]

Another Superstore member receives $15K back pay, huge wage increase

On April 2, we reported how a Superstore member received a large wage increase and back pay after errors were made when they became an Assistant Supervisor. The union has again stepped in to help another Superstore member in similar circumstances. In this case, the member changed departments, but was mistakenly put under the wrong classification, and […]

UFCW Honours International Day of Pink

Each year, the International Day of Pink is observed on the second Wednesday of April. For 2019, #DayOfPink takes place on April 10. As part of this global initiative, supporters wear pink to stand against bullying and discrimination. The International Day of Pink started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two high school students stood up […]

UFCW Canada supports Equal Pay Day – April 9, 2019

Toronto – April 8, 2019 – On April 9, UFCW Canada activists from across the country will join in observing Equal Pay Day – a day that represents how far into the next year a woman must work to earn the same amount made by a man in the previous year. Nationally, women in Canada […]

Superstore member gets huge wage increase, $14,200 in back pay

A Superstore Assistant Supervisor’s recent experience serves as a good reminder for all union members to check your contract and make sure you are being paid properly. Superstore members who are promoted to an “Assistant Supervisor” position are supposed to earn .40 cents per hour above the top-rated person in their department, according to the […]

Fresh Street Markets members see good improvements in contract

Fresh Street Markets members ratified a contract on January 28 and 29th after many months of negotiations that started in the summer of 2018.  Among the many improvements were a new full benefits package that includes:  prescription drugs dental plan professional medical services, including: acupuncturist chiropractor physiotherapy vision care hospital stays medical aids and equipment, including hearing […]

Swiss Water members ratify contract with wages, job security improvements

Members at Swiss Water ratified their newly-negotiated contract on November 29th, 2018. Swiss Water members were happy with the immediate improvements to wages and premiums, and most importantly, a good agreement was reached with good transition language that will help facilitate moving to a brand-new facility in the next 10 to 24 months. There will […]

Stong’s members ratify new contract

A very busy fall in 2018 turned a very busy winter of contract negotiations and ratification meetings for UFCW Local 247 members. At Stong’s, members strongly ratified a new contract in voting on November 26 and 27th, 2018.  The new contract has many improvements for Grid “B” members, including a new dental package and a much-improved […]

Consumers want cashiers, not self-checkouts

Toronto – March 20, 2019 – Recent media reports of consumers being forced to use self-checkouts at retail stores across Canada suggest that some major retailers are becoming increasingly out of touch with their customers’ needs and preferences. For more than a decade, self-checkouts have been gradually popping up in grocery, hardware, general merchandise, and […]

FreshCo contract negotiations begin April 2-3

UFCW Local 247 and Safeway-Sobeys are scheduled to meet April 2 and April 3 to begin contract negotiations for the 5 Safeway stores being converted to re-open as FreshCo stores. The latest information and negotiations updates will be posted here as they become available.

Important info for members in 5 FreshCo conversion stores

On March 10, we reported the Union and Sobeys reached an agreement on an adjustment plan that covers members working in one of the 5 stores the Company recently announced would close and be converted to the FreshCo banner: Aldergrove (#4959), Chilliwack (#4938), Maple Ridge (#4971), Ladner (#4962),and Abbottsford (#4932).  The adjustment plan offered to our members included buyouts and […]

Head coverings grievance resolved in members favour at Loblaw warehouse

A grievance filed by the union regarding head coverings worn by members working in the Loblaw warehouse has been settled. The issue began when Loblaw’s DC 1957 warehouse in South Surrey banned members working in the warehouse from wearing hoodies on the shop floor, despite the fact that since 2009, the DC 1957 warehouse had […]

Superstores scheduling issues see members paid after union steps in

Issues with union members’ store schedules at Superstores 1523 (Chilliwack) & 1558 (Abbotsford) led to the union filing a policy-scheduling grievance on their behalf, and the grievance settlement is a solid win for members in those stores: One member alone will receive over 50 hours paid compensation for the scheduling problems, resulting in more than […]

Agreement Reached With Sobeys on Adjustment Plan for 5 Closure Stores

UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys have reached an agreement on an adjustment plan that covers members working in one of the 5 stores the Company recently announced would close and be converted to the FreshCo banner: Aldergrove (#4959), Chilliwack (#4938), Maple Ridge (#4971), Ladner (#4962),and Abbottsford (#4932). Details to follow shortly.

Extended Health-Dental now available at 6 months for Safeway Grid B members

Good news for Safeway Grid B members! Your eligibility for Extended Health & Dental Care benefits has now been reduced from one year of employment to 6 months. As of January 1, 2019, Grid B members will qualify for the Extended Health & Dental Care Plan if they meet the following three criteria: Minimum age: […]

International Women’s Day is March 8

The first International Women's Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD is celebrated all over the world with a renewed commitment: Let's Build a Gender-balanced World. Gender balance is essential for our families, our workplaces and our communities to thrive. Collective action and shared responsibility for driving a gender-balanced world is key. […]

Discussions held with Sobeys-Safeway on 5 store closures/conversions

UFCW Local 247 met with representatives from  Sobeys-Safeway on February 28th and March 1st to discuss the impact of the recent announcement of five (5) Safeway store closures on 247 members. To recap, on January 29, Sobeys advised Local 247 that it would be closing five more Safeway stores in B.C., all located in Metro […]

Apply now for the 2019 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship

Washington, D.C. – February 15, 2019 – 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 […]

Union to meet with Sobeys-Safeway over 5 store closures

UFCW Local 247 and Sobeys-Safeway will be meeting specifically to talk about issues facing members in the 5 Safeway stores Sobeys recently announced will be closing in the coming months. With the first 3 Safeway stores scheduled to close May 25, the union sent the company a letter asking to meet and deal with the closures under […]

Happy Lunar New Year!

On February 5, UFCW Local 247 members are among those joining hundreds of thousands of Canadians across the country celebrating the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Pig – by spending time with friends and family in numerous fun-filled activities to mark year 4717 on the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year starts with […]

Telephone Town Hall February 7 – 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

UFCW Local 247 has members living in every corner of B.C., and beyond. To better connect our widespread membership with the latest news and information from the union, we use Telephone Town Halls 4 times per year. The next “Telephone Town Hall” for UFCW 247 members will take place as follows: DATE: Thursday, February 7 TIME:  7:00pm (Pacific […]

Sobeys closing another 5 Safeway stores

On January 29, Sobeys advised UFCW Local 247 that it would be closing five more Safeway stores in B.C., all located in Metro Vancouver. The five Safeway stores Sobeys is closing are: Aldergrove (#4959)   – closing May 25, 2019 Chilliwack   (#4938)   – closing May 25, 2019 Maple Ridge (#4971) – closing May 25, 2019 Ladner […]

Build your skills with new webCampusPLUS courses for January

Toronto – January 16, 2019 – UFCW Canada's ground-breaking online education program, webCampusPLUS, is launching two new courses that can help you build your skills in health and safety and retail communication. Beginning January 16, the free online courses are being offered in English and are available to all UFCW Canada members and their family members, […]

Local 247 member receives $1000 BDM scholarship

Congratulations to UFCW Local 247 member Jorden Swetlikoe of Kelowna, one of eighteen winners of the UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship. Jorden is a retail food member who works at the Real Canadian Superstore in West Kelowna, B.C. Currently completing his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Brother Swetlikoe had […]

Starting soon! Free “English as an Additional Language” courses

Free 12-week courses in "English as an Additional Language" are available in Vancouver and Richmond to UFCW Local 247 members via the B.C. Federation of Labour's Health & Safety Centre. Links to sign up for these courses are below, and for more information and course details, please click here. (Please note a $50 deposit is required – refunded at graduation […]

Thank You Shop Stewards

Your Union has undertaken its first online picket captain training education session. This session targeted the picket captain duties: responsibilities and organization.  During our open question period, a lot of discussion centered on the negativity and anger that is being directed in some cases at the shop stewards themselves. During these stressful times, against the […]