  |
|
In voting conducted April 8, UFCW Local 1518 members employed at Safeway
stores from West Vancouver to Chilliwack voted 99 percent in favour of
strike action.
The strike mandate means the Union Negotiating Committee has an overwhelming declaration of support from Safeway members. While the strike vote was strong, strike action is not imminent, and negotiations with Safeway are scheduled to resume on May 1,2, 5, and 6. "This strike vote reinforces what we've been telling Safeway all along--the existing contract is not working," said Ivan Limpright, President of UFCW 1518. "There is no reasonable opportunity for new hires to earn a living wage, staff turnover is through the roof, and morale is bottoming out," said Limpright. "The union's members are as frustrated as we can ever remember." "There are a number of serious issues to address, including wage increases and getting everyone back on one wage grid, both of which would go a long way in addressing the problems that currently exist," said Limpright. "Right now we're quite far apart, but this strike vote should help get the company's attention focused, because it's clear the union's members are in no mood to accept anything less than a contract that has the meaningful improvements they're looking for," said Limpright. "Safeway has been converting its stores to the Lifestyle format and generally doing quite well in B.C.," he said. "B.C. is a desirable market for grocery companies because of its steady population growth and good economy, and the Union Negotiating Committee believes that ultimately we can reach an agreement with Safeway that addresses union members' issues at the same time as seeing Safeway continue to prosper."
|
