Former Safeway safety manager files lawsuit for wrongful termination
A former Safeway manager who worked in loss prevention, corporate security and investigations for the supermarket chain has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit. He says Safeway officials questioned him about giving food to San Francisco police officers at stores where they were conducting undercover operations, and he was questioned about arresting theft suspects. The worker says he had the authority to take those actions, and yet he was fired.
SAN FRANCISCO – A former Safeway manager has filed a lawsuit against the supermarket chain for wrongful termination.
Oscar Santos stated that company officials questioned him about the actions he was authorized to take and that he would tell his story to restore his reputation.
Santos said he never thought he would be fired for doing his job.
“This award here is an award for outstanding achievements that I have received,” Santos said, holding up a plaque he received from Safeway.
But despite this award and other recognition for his years of work in loss prevention, corporate security and investigations for Safeway, he was fired.
“It’s annoying. I’m shocked,” Santos said.
In total, he worked for Safeway for eleven years.
He said he started as a loss prevention representative for an outside company that had a contract with Safeway.
Eventually, the supermarket chain hired him as an investigator, monitoring stores throughout Northern California.
He said he had been promoted to manager whose job it was to combat organized shoplifting.
“I was a senior manager in loss prevention and was constantly meeting with government officials and law enforcement,” Santos said.
In early 2024, he received a termination letter from Safeway for violating company policies.
Santos said management questioned him about why he gave free chicken and sandwiches on two separate occasions to San Francisco police officers who were protecting Safeway from theft during undercover operations at two stores.
Santos said he was also questioned about the use of force in arresting theft suspects.
The 33-year-old said his position empowered him to do so.
“I visit businesses. If I see a crime being committed there, I go and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
“Their policy is cruel. It is malicious and aimed at getting rid of any employee who prevents shoplifting, who has long service and a high salary,” said Neil Eisenberg, Santos’s lawyer.
Santos said things changed when his longtime boss died suddenly and a new manager took over.
“I think I was targeted because management didn’t like me,” the former employee said. “I don’t want that to happen to anyone again.”
Santos said he wanted compensation for lost wages.
He has found a new job, but this time he’s working for a law enforcement agency. He starts next month.
KTVU has reached out to Safeway officials multiple times but has not received a response at the time of this report.
Amber Lee is a reporter at KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or text/message her at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU
