Safeway's parent company, Sobey's, said the closures are due to falling sales and changing customer demand. The stores will close on May 5 except for the City Square location, which will close on July 28. "On the eve of our negotiations, the company is trying to scare our members with store closures," Limpright said. In a statement, Sobey's said it's looking forward to the upcoming negotiations with UFCW 1518. "We agree with the union that it's time to stop the games and start respectful negotiations," the statement reads.

Source: CBC News January 23, 2018 22:40 UTC