Court Denies Sobeys’ Request to Halt Teamsters Picketing at Calgary Stores
A Calgary judge has dismissed Sobeys Capital Inc.’s effort to prevent striking Teamsters from picketing at the company’s stores in Calgary. The picketing involves workers from the Rocky View County distribution hub and a refrigerated warehouse in southeast Calgary.
Judge Feasby of the Court of King’s Bench issued written reasons on November 7, 2025, refusing to stay the decision made by the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB). This decision permits Teamsters Local 987 to continue their picketing during the ongoing strike and lockout affecting 251 warehouse and delivery employees.
Labour Relations Board Ruling
The court's ruling relates to the ALRB’s October 15, 2025 decision (2025 ALRB 126), which recognized the Calgary Sobeys outlets as valid “places of work” for the striking and locked-out employees. This recognition authorizes picketing at company-owned locations but excludes franchised sites.
“The Calgary outlets were found to be legitimate ‘places of work’ for the striking and locked-out employees, allowing picketing at company-owned sites but not at franchised ones.”
The ongoing dispute impacts a significant number of employees involved in warehouse and delivery roles.
Summary
This ruling upholds workers' rights to picket at Sobeys’ company-operated Calgary locations during their labour action, reinforcing the ALRB's stance on defining the scope of lawful picketing sites.
Author's summary: The court supports the Alberta Labour Relations Board’s decision, enabling Teamsters Local 987 to keep picketing Sobeys’ Calgary stores amid a strike affecting 251 employees.