Safeway to Close Hayward Store in 2026, Jobs to Be Saved

URGENT UPDATE: Safeway is set to close its supermarket in Hayward on February 2, 2026, affecting 76 associates at the 231 West Jackson St. location. In a WARN letter sent to the state Employment Development Department, the grocery chain confirmed plans to transfer all impacted workers to nearby stores, aiming to prevent any layoffs.

According to Terra Powers, vice president of human resources for Safeway’s Northern California division, the company is committed to offering positions at other locations, stating, “We do not foresee any layoffs as a result of the closure.” The announcement comes as part of an ongoing effort to maintain employee stability during this transition.

Safeway is working closely with employees represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5 and Baker’s Union Local 125, highlighting that all affected workers have bumping rights. This means that those with seniority may displace less senior employees at other locations, creating potential job shifts within the company. However, the specifics regarding how many workers will relocate to the same site remain undetermined.

“We intend to place all the associates into a position at another nearby location,” Powers emphasized in the WARN letter. The exact details of the job placements are still being finalized, leaving the nature of “nearby” somewhat ambiguous for employees.

Safeway confirmed that associates will continue working at the Hayward store until operations are officially closed, which may provide some level of job security until the transition occurs. The company’s proactive approach aims to ensure that employees are not left without job opportunities during this changeover.

The closure of this Hayward supermarket marks a significant shift for the local workforce, as residents and employees alike await further details on the transition process. Safeway’s commitment to its associates during this time of uncertainty reflects a growing trend among corporations to prioritize employee welfare amid operational changes.

As the situation develops, it is crucial for affected employees to stay informed about their options and for community members to support local workers during this transition. Further announcements are expected in the coming months as Safeway clarifies how it will execute these job transfers.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as Safeway continues to navigate this significant change in its operations. The impact on the local economy and employees’ livelihoods underscores the importance of swift communication and support during such transitions.