‘Reckless and inappropriate’: Union files grievance with Sobeys over Alberta flag in stores, citing separation concerns
Posted Jul 28, 2026 9:01 am.
Last Updated Jul 28, 2026 9:26 am.
A union says it’s filed a grievance with a grocery store chain over the use of the Alberta flag in some of its stores in the province, claiming it’s potentially damaging to business and jobs, and citing concerns with the separation movement.
The United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 401 states in an online post that Sobeys “has recklessly and inappropriately presented Alberta flags in its retail stores.”
The union, which represents approximately 32,000 members across Alberta, claims the province’s flag can now be considered a separatist movement symbol, and “Sobeys decision makers from Ontario have decided that it is a good idea to hoist Alberta flags” in some stores.
UFCW also says the company explained they’re trying to promote local products, but the signage and rollout are inconsistent.
“Regardless of what your personal opinion of this might be, why would Sobeys wade into this controversial topic?” the union asks, adding that “online commentary by customers has also started to reveal that shoppers are starting to get angry at Safeway for presenting Alberta flags in their stores… why is Sobeys threatening their business by betting on a losing cause?”
UFCW says they returned to the bargaining table with the company last week and are hopeful a settlement can be reached before September but are tentatively planning a strike vote for the second week of that month.
They’ve also put in place an online petition asking, “Is the Alberta flag bad for business at Safeway?”
Similar protest in 2025
A similar protest over the use of an Alberta flag at the Safeway store in Medicine Hat last year caught public attention, with a member of the Facebook group “Forever Canadian” saying he was concerned about the flag being politicized.
At the time, parent company Sobeys said no ill intent or political statement was intended from the placement of flags inside its stores; rather, the operation is showcasing local products.
CityNews has reached out to the company for comment about the grievance but at the time of this story’s publication no response has been received.
