Alberta Safeway workers could hit the picket lines just before Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 said a strike notice had been served. If a deal was not reached with parent company Sobeys, workers would go on strike Oct. 7. “A strike could mean significant disruptions at Safeway stores, with empty shelves, longer checkout lines, and customers unable to find the Thanksgiving staples they need,” the union warned. The union said the notice comes after almost a year of bargaining efforts; if a deal can’t be reached, it added, holiday shoppers could be met with “angry and outraged employees” outside stores. “For Albertans who have not recently tried Real Canadian Superstore, now may be a good time to explore that alternative,” the union said. “Customers can compare prices, selection, and service for themselves and decide where they want to shop while Safeway workers are on the picket line.” Safeway shopper Donna Worthington told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday that she would miss her weekly shopping trip if workers should strike. “They work very hard and they’ve treated us very kindly over the years,” Worthington said. “I do hope that they get what they want. “I’ll find somewhere else,” said shopper Debbie Ferguson. “I will not cross the picket line.” UFCW Local 401 said workers remain hopeful that ongoing bargaining efforts would result in a “fair” deal and avoid disruptions from job action before the Thanksgiving holiday. CTV News Edmonton has reached out to Sobeys and is awaiting a response. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson
