Pros
The great things about Safeway is if you have good management they will work around your school, kids, etc. schedule. You get paid vacations (1 week after 1 year, 2 after 2, 3 after 5), and benefits for yourself with 16 hours per week or your family with 20 hours per week (pay and benefits can vary depending on which union you belong to). It is difficult to lose your job because you have the union to back you up. Grocery business is strong regardless of economy conditions, so job security is good. Advice to future employees: if you plan on working with the company for a few years become a checker or back-up checker, checker scale gets you a better rate of pay than helper clerk or most department positions.
Cons
You often have to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. It can be very difficult to get 40 hours per week regularly (unless you are a department manager). Can be wearing on your body (repetitive movements, lifting). The uniform is not attractive or comfortable. You have sick-pay but cannot use it unless you are ill for 3 consecutive scheduled work days or in the hospital.