UPDATE: Safeway has just announced the closure of its supermarket located at 231 West Jackson St., Hayward, California, scheduled for February 2, 2026. This decision will impact 76 associates, but the grocery chain is committed to preserving their jobs by facilitating transfers to nearby locations.
In a WARN letter sent to the state’s Employment Development Department, Safeway Vice President of Human Resources, Terra Powers, confirmed that they do not anticipate any layoffs due to this closure. Safeway is actively working to ensure that all affected employees, who are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5 and Baker’s Union Local 125, will be placed in positions at other nearby stores.
“We intend to place all the associates into a position at another nearby location,” Powers stated in the letter. However, the specifics regarding the exact locations for the transfers have yet to be determined. It remains unclear whether all workers will be moved to the same store or how “nearby” is defined.
The closure is part of a broader strategy by Safeway to streamline operations while maintaining employee stability. All affected workers will retain their bumping rights, allowing those with seniority the ability to displace less senior colleagues at other stores. This provision raises questions about potential job security for other employees within the affected locations.
Safeway has assured that employees will continue working at the Hayward store until its operations officially close, aiding in a smooth transition. The timeline for this closure and the job placement process will be closely monitored as further details emerge.
For residents of Hayward and the affected employees, this announcement is significant. The community will be watching closely how Safeway manages this transition and the implications for local employment.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Safeway finalizes the transfer processes and provides clarity to its employees and the community at large.
