Retail

11,000 workers ready to tackle bargaining with ‘Big Three’ grocery giants

TORONTO-More than 11,000 Unifor grocery store members are preparing to take on Canada’s Big Three grocery giants, Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys, in upcoming contract negotiations. The front-line supermarket workers are seeking pay increases, benefit improvements and more full-time jobs as bargaining begins next month.

Protecting statutory holidays: Unifor’s call for consultation and support for retail workers

Thanks to swift Unifor mobilization and outreach to city councillors, the City of Toronto City Council has voted to study the impacts of expanding holiday shopping exemptions.

A motion to amend the Toronto Municipal Code that would expand the number of designated retail businesses operating with “tourist area exemption” status, allowing retailers to open on statutory holidays. This change would cause retail workers to lose their statutory holidays.

Letter to Toronto City Council Re: Expanding tourist area exemptions for retail

Dear Councillor,

Re: Proposed Amendment to Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 510-5

We are writing to you on an urgent matter.

It has come to our attention that the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee has recommended amendments to the Toronto Municipal Code, expanding the number of designated retail businesses operating with ‘tourist area exemption’ status. The stated objective is to expand the number of retailers allowed to open for business on statutory holidays.

Purdy’s workers ratify new contract

VANCOUVER—Wage increases and shift premiums are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified September 14 by Unifor members at Purdy’s Chocolatier.

“This contract makes important gains for workers struggling to cope with the rising cost of living in Metro Vancouver,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Purdy’s workers set midnight strike deadline

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 2000 working at Purdy’s Chocolatier could be on strike at midnight if the employer refuses to make a fair wage offer during negotiations today.

“Unifor members have helped make Purdy’s a household name in British Columbia,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Workers at Purdy’s deserve a fair contract that protects their wages from inflation during uncertain economic times.”