Employees of Sobeys distribution centre north of Calgary vote in favour of strike action
Posted Sep 13, 2025 12:14 pm.
Last Updated Sep 13, 2025 12:15 pm.
The majority of unionized employees working at the Sobeys Rocky View Distribution Centre north of Calgary voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with notice possibly coming as early as Monday.
The 251 employees of the Balzac centre belong to Teamsters Local Union 987 in Alberta, who voted 92 per cent in favour of strike action on Tuesday. Out of an eligible 245 members, 219 voted, and only 18 voted against.
A release states the union wants more competitive wages, along with a resolution to see no monetary amendments made to the collective agreement.
The distribution centre supplies grocery stores, convenience stores, and independent grocers throughout Alberta. The workers are involved in the distribution and transportation of goods.
Union members voted down the same offer twice, once on Aug. 11 and again in the past week.
“Our members have made their mandate clear, by voting overwhelmingly in favour of a strike,” Teamsters Local Union 987 business agent Brock Penner. “We are eager to find a resolution that will be accepted by our members.”
He says every worker is entitled to positive workplace conditions and the opportunity to earn a competitive wage.
“We will always stand up for our members,” Penner said.
Teamsters 987 says a 72-hour strike or lockout notice could take place as soon as Monday.
660 NewsRadio has reached out to Sobeys Inc. for comment and more information.
Meanwhile, the notice comes as Empire, the operator of Sobeys and Safeway, reported profit attributable to owners of the company of $212 million or 91 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Aug. 2. The result was up from a profit of $208 million or 86 cents per diluted share a year ago.
On an adjusted basis, Empire says it earned 91 cents per diluted share in its latest quarter, up from an adjusted profit of 90 cents per diluted share a year ago.
Sales for the quarter totalled $8.26 billion, up from $8.14 billion in the same quarter last year.
With files from The Canadian Press
