Court Rejects Sobeys’ Request to Block Teamsters Picketing
A Calgary judge has denied Sobeys Capital Inc.’s effort to prevent striking Teamsters from picketing at Sobeys stores in Calgary. The strikes involve workers at the company’s Rocky View County distribution center and a refrigerated warehouse in southeast Calgary.
Details of the Legal Decision
Justice Feasby of the Court of King’s Bench issued written reasons on November 7, 2025, refusing to stay a decision by the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB). This decision allows Teamsters Local 987 members to continue picketing Sobeys-owned stores in Calgary amid a strike and lockout affecting 251 warehouse and delivery employees.
Labour Board Ruling
The ALRB's ruling, issued on October 15, 2025 (2025 ALRB 126), recognized the Calgary Sobeys stores as valid “places of work” for the striking employees.
“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.”
Implications for Picketing Locations
- Picketing is permitted at Sobeys-owned locations in Calgary.
- Picketing is not allowed at franchised stores.
- The decision supports the ongoing labour action involving Sobeys warehouse and delivery staff.
This ruling reinforces the legal allowance for picketing at worksites directly owned by the employer during the strike.
“Feasby’s decision concerns the labour board’s Oct. 15 ruling, 2025 ALRB 126.”
Author’s summary: The court upheld the labour board’s decision permitting Teamsters to picket Sobeys-owned Calgary stores during an active strike, affirming these stores as valid work locations.