Does Safeway Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Safeway's Background Check Process

Safeway, as part of Albertsons Companies, conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The standard check includes a criminal history search at the county, state, and national level, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry check. The process typically takes 3-7 business days. Safeway follows FCRA requirements: if the background check reveals information that may affect the hiring decision, the company sends a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and your rights summary before making a final decision. Because Safeway operates in many states with strong fair chance hiring laws — including California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado — the company is well-practiced in delaying criminal history inquiries until after a conditional offer. In these states, Safeway cannot ask about criminal history on the application or during the initial interview. The background check is conducted only after a conditional offer has been extended, and any adverse decision must follow both FCRA and state-specific requirements.

Albertsons Companies: The Parent Company

Safeway has been part of Albertsons Companies since 2015, making it part of one of the largest grocery conglomerates in the United States. Albertsons Companies also operates stores under the Albertsons, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme Markets, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Star Market, and many other banners. Hiring policies are generally consistent across all Albertsons-owned banners, so if you've had a positive or negative experience at one Albertsons-owned store, the same general policies apply at Safeway and vice versa. However, individual store managers have some discretion in hiring decisions, so experiences can vary between locations. If you're turned down at one Safeway, consider applying at other Albertsons-owned stores in your area, as different managers may have different perspectives. The Albertsons Companies career portal at albertsonscompanies.com/careers allows you to search for positions across all banners simultaneously.

Union Membership and Protections

Many Safeway stores are unionized through the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union. Union membership can be beneficial for applicants with criminal records in several ways. Union contracts often include provisions that limit the scope of background checks, establish clear criteria for what types of convictions can affect hiring, and provide grievance processes if you believe you were unfairly denied employment based on your record. Once hired, union membership provides additional job protections including progressive discipline requirements, seniority rights, and the right to union representation during any employment disputes. UFCW locals in several Safeway markets have advocated for fair chance hiring practices, and union contracts may provide protections beyond what state law requires. If you're applying to a unionized Safeway store, ask about union representation and what the contract says about background check policies during your orientation.

Which Felonies Are Most Likely to Be Accepted?

Safeway's individualized assessment considers multiple factors, but certain types of convictions have better outcomes. Non-violent drug possession felonies are commonly accepted, especially those older than 3-5 years. DUI convictions, including felony-level DUIs, are generally not a barrier for in-store positions. Non-violent property crimes and older criminal mischief charges are typically acceptable. Theft and shoplifting convictions face more scrutiny given the retail environment — especially for cashier roles — but are not automatic disqualifiers if significant time has passed. Violent felonies within the past 5-7 years present the biggest challenge for customer-facing positions, though warehouse roles may be more flexible. Sex offenses on a registry are generally disqualifying. In California and other states with 7-year lookback limits, convictions older than 7 years typically do not appear on the background check at all, giving applicants a significantly better chance.

Safeway's Geographic Reach and State Protections

Safeway operates primarily in the western United States and the mid-Atlantic region, with significant presence in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Many of these states and localities have strong fair chance hiring laws that benefit applicants with records. California prohibits employers from asking about criminal history before a conditional offer and limits background checks to 7 years. Oregon's Ban the Box law removes criminal history from initial applications. Washington state and the cities of Seattle and Spokane have fair chance hiring ordinances. Colorado prohibits criminal history questions on initial applications. The District of Columbia has one of the strongest fair chance hiring laws in the country. Arizona, while having fewer statewide protections, has local ordinances in Phoenix. All of this means that Safeway applicants in most markets benefit from legal protections that delay criminal history consideration and provide opportunities to be evaluated on their qualifications first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Safeway hire felons?

Yes, Safeway does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. As part of Albertsons Companies, Safeway uses individualized assessment that considers the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Entry-level store and warehouse positions are the most accessible. Safeway operates in many states with strong fair chance hiring laws that provide additional protections.

Does Safeway do background checks?

Yes, Safeway conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party provider. The check includes criminal history at county, state, and national levels, a Social Security trace, and a sex offender registry check. In states with Ban the Box laws, the check occurs only after a conditional offer. The process takes 3-7 business days.

How far back does Safeway's background check go?

Safeway's background check generally covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with laws limiting employer lookback periods — such as California's 7-year restriction — Safeway complies with those limits. Convictions older than 7 years may not appear at all in these states, significantly improving your chances.

Does Safeway drug test?

Safeway's drug testing policies vary by position and state. Many entry-level store positions in states like California do not require pre-employment drug testing. Pharmacy positions, warehouse roles involving heavy equipment, and delivery driver positions are more likely to require testing. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may apply to all employees.

Is Safeway the same company as Albertsons?

Yes, Safeway has been part of Albertsons Companies since 2015. Albertsons also owns Vons, Jewel-Osco, Acme Markets, Shaw's, Star Market, Tom Thumb, Randalls, and many other banners. Hiring policies are generally consistent across all Albertsons-owned stores, and you can search for positions at all banners through the Albertsons Companies career portal.

Are Safeway stores unionized?

Many Safeway stores are unionized through the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union. Union membership can provide additional protections for employees with records, including grievance processes and limits on the scope of background checks. Not all locations are unionized, so ask during the application or orientation process.

Can I get promoted at Safeway with a felony?

Yes, Safeway promotes from within, and once you've established a reliable work history, your criminal record becomes less of a factor in advancement decisions. Clerk-to-manager career paths exist, and strong performers can advance to department manager, assistant store manager, and store manager over time.