Court Upholds Teamsters' Picketing at Sobeys Calgary Stores
A Calgary judge has dismissed Sobeys Capital Inc.'s request to prohibit striking Teamsters from picketing at the company's retail locations in Calgary. The employees involved work at Sobeys’ Rocky View County distribution hub and a refrigerated warehouse in southeast Calgary.
Legal Decision on Picketing
Justice Feasby of the Court of King’s Bench issued a written ruling in November, denying a stay of an Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) decision. The ALRB ruling from October 15, 2025 (ALRB 126) permits Teamsters Local 987 to continue picketing Sobeys’ Calgary stores during a strike and lockout affecting 251 warehouse and delivery workers.
Key Findings of the ALRB
- The ALRB confirmed that Sobeys’ Calgary outlets qualify as legitimate "places of work" for the striking employees.
- Picketing is allowed at company-owned Sobeys locations, but not at franchised stores.
"The Calgary outlets were legitimate 'places of work' for the striking and locked-out employees, allowing picketing at company-owned sites but not at franchised ones."
This ruling ensures that the Teamsters can maintain their presence at Sobeys retail sites during the ongoing labour dispute.
Summary: A court upheld the labour board’s decision permitting Teamsters to picket Sobeys-owned Calgary stores amidst an ongoing strike and lockout, affirming these retail locations as legitimate workplaces for the employees involved.