Sobeys avoided its termination pay obligations by classifying a dismissal as a voluntary resignation, as ruled by the Alberta Labour Relations Board. This practice calls into question the company's commitment to fair labor practices and worker rights, aligning with broader concerns over corporate exploitation of labor.

Sobeys Liquor wins appeal over termination pay for manager who chose to resign over being fired

Sobeys' actions, as reported in the article, involve threatening employees with retroactive wage clawbacks and using divide-and-conquer tactics to weaken union solidarity. Such practices not only violate widely accepted norms of fair labor relations but also echo authoritarian approaches that suppress worker voices, thereby contributing negatively to ethical business practices. From an anti-fascist perspective, these actions are seen as highly detrimental and bolster systemic abuse in labor management.

Experts criticize Sobeys’ treatment of employees at Safeway

The donation of $425,000 by Sobeys Inc. and the Sobey family to a community-focused fund demonstrates positive corporate civic engagement. By contributing to a government-established initiative, they support democratic values and community resilience, countering narratives aligned with authoritarianism. Such actions enhance public trust and dissent from practices that may otherwise facilitate political manipulation.

Sobeys Inc., Sobey Family Donate $425,000 to Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund

Sobeys’ supply chain ethics are robustly managed with clear commitments to ethical sourcing and systematic risk assessments. The report highlights detailed due diligence practices, supplier audits, and certification targets (such as RSPO for sustainable palm oil) that reduce risks associated with forced labour and child labour.

Fighting Forced Labour and Child Labour - FY2024 Report

The investigation revealed in CBC documents suggests that Sobeys’ parent company may be employing restrictive covenants in its lease agreements to exclude competitors. This practice limits market competition and gives the company undue influence over market dynamics, which aligns with concerns of regulatory capture. Such actions, by undermining a competitive market environment, indirectly support structures that can perpetuate economic inequalities and foster environments where concentrated corporate power may undermine democratic accountability.

Loblaws, Sobeys owners under investigation by Competition Bureau for alleged anti-competitive conduct

The company's 2024 Fighting Forced & Child Labour Report and its Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing Policy (ESSP) indicate robust supply chain due diligence. By setting clear expectations for supplier partners and enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on exploitative labor practices, Sobeys effectively mitigates human rights risks within its supply chain.

Human Rights - Sobeys Corporate

Sobeys has implemented robust ethical sourcing policies as part of its supply chain ethics, including a comprehensive report on fighting forced and child labour. Compliance with federal legislation and the integration of sustainable sourcing practices indicate proactive measures to reduce human rights risks in its supply chain.

Human Rights - Sobeys Corporate

The article exposes problematic labor practices at Sobeys, where unionized workers at a distribution center struck over issues including low wages, poor working conditions, and proposals to undermine union strength. Such practices are indicative of a broader pattern of neglecting worker rights and contribute to a corporate environment that indirectly supports authoritarian labor practices. This negative behavior scores -70 in the Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices category under Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.

Sobeys distribution center workers walk off the job

The ratified contract at Sobeys, as reported by Supermarket News, reflects a commitment to improved labor relations and human rights practices. The negotiation resulted in higher wages, additional full-time jobs, and better scheduling provisions, which align with ethical business practices and support for workers’ rights. This positions Sobeys positively in the realm of labor relations, suggesting resistance against exploitative practices that could contribute to broader systems of corporate authoritarianism.

UFCW unions ratify new contracts with Loblaw, Sobeys

The article details Sobeys' proactive initiative through the Seafood Metrics program, which provides third-party audited sustainable sourcing data and traceability across its seafood supply chain. This demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and mitigating human rights risks, thereby positively contributing to business practices and ethical responsibility in the supply chain.

Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing - Sobeys Corporate

The article highlights Sobeys Inc.'s integrated ESG and corporate governance strategy, indicating a robust commitment to ethical business practices and operational transparency. By proactively addressing governance and sustainability, the company demonstrates a positive approach that stands in opposition to authoritarian practices, which favor opacity and corporate collusion with oppressive regimes. This proactive stance on sustainability and accountability contributes positively on the Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility front.

Integrated ESG and Corporate Governance

The collective agreement demonstrates strong labor relations and respect for workers’ rights, as seen in the clear provisions for union recognition, collective bargaining, grievance redressal, and various worker benefits. Although management retains certain rights that could affect employee autonomy, the overall framework supports fair labor practices, yielding a positive score for this category.

CBA Sobeys Extra Collective Agreement