[Dion]

EDMONTON — One-hundred and three replacement workers began their first day on the job Tuesday at striking Safeway facilities in Edmonton.

They crossed the picket lines to make $18.41/hour working the jobs of 350 city Safeway employees who went on strike Monday. Safeway has hired 162 workers so far, many of whom are in training.

“Hiring is very brisk,” Safeway spokeswoman Betty Kellsey said Tuesday. “There’s a lot of interest in full-time work at 40 hours a week for $18.41 an hour.”

Kellsey said there are no talks scheduled. Safeway stands by an Aug. 26 settlement between company and union negotiators that more than 70 per cent of members rejected, despite the settlement’s support from union leaders. The settlement promised a $2.65 raise over three years, retroactive pay, improvement to pension contributions and premiums for night shifts and people who work in refrigerated conditions.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/busines...314/story.html