Loblaw workers’ strike looming

May 20, 2015, Toronto — At polls held May 11-14 across Ontario, members of UFCW Canada Local 1000A and Locals 175 & 633 working at Loblaw Companies Ltd. voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action if a fair contract is not reached.

The strike votes took place after the union broke off talks on May 5 when it became clear that roadblocks to achieving a fair contract still remained. Combined, the local unions represent 28,000 grocery workers employed at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore, Zehrs, Zehrs Great Food and Superstore, and Fortinos.

“Loblaw is the number one grocery retailer in this country because of the hard work and sacrifice of our members,” said Pearl Sawyer, president of UFCW Canada Local 1000A and chairwoman of the Union Negotiating Committee. “The company needs to recognize the valuable role their colleagues play in achieving that success. They have assisted the company in its restructuring over the last several years and now it’s time for them to share in that success.”

The local unions are calling for fair wage increases, reliable work schedules, benefit improvements and limits on third-party providers.

“With this resounding strike vote, our members have sent a clear and strong message to the company that they support their negotiating committee and are willing to do what is needed to get a fair contract,” said Shawn Haggerty, president of UFCW Canada Local 175.

UFCW Canada Local 1000A and Locals 175 & 633 are calling on the company to invest in the workers who have helped it thrive and reign in a competitive grocery retail landscape.

Negotiations are scheduled to resume on May 26.