Court Refuses to Block Teamsters Pickets at Sobeys Calgary Stores
A Calgary judge has dismissed Sobeys Capital Inc.’s request to stop striking Teamsters from picketing at the company’s Calgary stores. The strike involves employees at Sobeys’ Rocky View County distribution hub and a refrigerated warehouse in southeast Calgary.
Justice Feasby of the Court of King’s Bench issued written reasons on November 7, 2025, rejecting a stay of the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) decision. The ALRB ruling permits Teamsters Local 987 to continue their picketing at Sobeys locations in Calgary during the ongoing strike and lockout affecting 251 warehouse and delivery workers.
Details of the Labour Board Decision
The court decision relates to the ALRB’s October 15, 2025 ruling (2025 ALRB 126), which determined the Calgary stores owned by Sobeys are valid "places of work" for the striking employees. This ruling enables lawful picketing at company-owned sites but excludes franchised stores from such activity.
"The Calgary outlets were deemed legitimate 'places of work' for the striking and locked-out employees, allowing picketing at company-owned sites but not at franchised ones."
Context of the Strike
- The strike and lockout involves 251 employees in warehouse and delivery roles.
- The labour dispute centers on Sobeys' facilities in Rocky View County and southeast Calgary.
- Teamsters Local 987 represents the unionized workforce involved.
This ruling ensures Teamsters can maintain their picketing presence at the specified Sobeys-owned sites during the labour dispute.
Author's summary: A Calgary judge upheld the Alberta Labour Relations Board’s decision, allowing striking Teamsters to continue picketing Sobeys-owned stores, affirming these locations as legitimate workplaces in the ongoing strike.