Lower Mainland Safeway workers vote in favour of strike action
Posted September 15, 2023 1:03 pm.
Last Updated September 17, 2023 3:25 pm.
Safeway workers in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley might be walking off the job soon, after union members voted yes to authorizing a strike action Thursday night.
UFCW 1518, the workers’ union, says 98 per cent of voters authorized the strike action.
In a statement, the union does clarify that strike notice will not be issued immediately, as more bargaining talks are scheduled for the end of the month.
“We want to assure you that we take this mandate very seriously. Our bargaining committee is ready to call a strike if necessary – but our focus in these next several dates of bargaining is to reach an agreement we can bring back to you – our members for a vote,” the union said.
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UFCW 1518 says the vote shows that its members are “united and ready to fight for what they deserve.”
“As Empire has reported higher profit, stores continue to see investment and growth plans appear to be the priority – we want to ensure workers do not get left behind. That means fair wage increases, access to full-time jobs, and respect for the hard and important work you do every day,” it said.
