Arab Canada News
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Published: November 16, 2023
The union said in a statement issued today, Thursday, "More than 1200 workers who are union members working at No Frills stores owned by Loblaw may go on strike starting next Monday."
The statement added, "Loblaw must come to the table prepared to raise wages, improve working conditions, and create more full-time job opportunities for these grocery store workers, they deserve decent work and pay," said Lana Payne, National Union president, in the statement. "It's that simple, Loblaw makes higher profits each financial quarter than the previous one, so it's time for the workers who help them earn these profits to get a share so they can support their families."
According to, the company refuses to address wage demands and working conditions amid the affordability crisis in Canada.
The union recently ratified a new collective agreement with Metro workers, ending a five-week strike that began in July. The union said the agreement included an immediate increase of $1.50 per hour, enhanced benefits and pensions, a better schedule, and job protection from self-serve operations; this agreement is similar to what the Loblaw workers are demanding.
"Loblaw workers are fed up with the out-of-control disparity between their wages, the company's massive profits, and rising living costs. Gord Corey, president of Unifor Local 414, said in the statement: "Workers are ready to take the necessary action to support themselves and their families during these difficult times."
He added, "You know it is bad when workers at the largest grocery chain in Canada are struggling to buy their food, even at discount stores like No Frills. Ultimately, it is up to Loblaw to avoid the strike and do the right thing to support its workers and customers."
In its statement, Unifor highlighted that Loblaws recorded profits of $621 million in the third quarter - an increase of nearly 12 percent over the previous quarter.
Payne continued: "While Loblaw continues to make huge profits, many Canadians, including its workers, increasingly use food banks."
Grocery chains have found themselves under fire with rising food prices and significantly increased living costs over the past year or so. The industry has confirmed that its profit margins are actually slim, but the federal government has asked grocery retailers to make more efforts to ensure food remains affordable.
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