The primary cons for working at Safeway are:
1. The politics - Safeway is a very large and a very matrix organization and so there's often a high level of 'maneuvering' that's required in order to get things done.
2. Lack of information sharing - Safeway lacks a central knowledge base repository where all pertinent information can be captured, categorized and pulled when needed. Most information is tacitly held by employees who are driven by the idea that they are 'more valuable' if they keep their knowledge contained.
3. Widespread favoritism - In the years that I have worked for Safeway, I have found that one's success if determined by who you know and how well you know them. If you smooze with the right management team (or manager) you get the better assignments and as a result, you get better visability for your work. This leads to better positions and more promotions. Just doing your job and doing well is not enough.