November 8, 2004

Safeway Edmonton Lucerne Ice Cream Plant Bargaining Update

On November 2nd, 3rd and 4th bargaining with the company continued. This is the third session we have had since our July update. Other dates included September 28th, 29th and 30th and October 18th, 19th and 20th.

The company is trying to play divide and conquer, arguing that any part timer who restricts themselves must not only continue to pay a hefty price in losses to their seniority but, if Safeway had its way, would lose the current flexibility they have with respect to putting forth their restrictions on short notice. The company implies that these people some how hurt full timers insofar as the latter group can?t have weekends off because restricted part timers are unavailable.

The point the company won?t make is that if all workers were well paid and treated properly part timers would be available.

The Union does not believe that a solution to complex workplace problems is to allow part timers to be owned by the company, called in at their beck and call. If properly paid ? workers wouldn?t need second jobs. Aging parents, the changing job circumstances of a spouse, child care ? any number of things might necessitate the need to any part time employee at any time to set some restrictions on fairly short notice. These rights should be protected or next thing we know all employees will be living in their cars on the parking lot!

By the way, thanks to Mark at ice cream for being a decent guy to work for. He?ll be missed.

In the new year, the union will be seeking a more aggressive mandate from its members. Thus far, Safeway is doing some listening, but little real bargaining. Stand by!