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October 20, 2020 ST. JOHN’S–Dominion workers have set up a round the clock picket at the Loblaw Co. Distribution Centre in St. John’s, following the company’s continued refusal to negotiate a fair collective agreement. “The Loblaw Co. business model is to tie wages for frontline grocery workers to minimum wage while refusing to classify jobs as full-time to avoid sick days, vacation and benefits, all with the end goal of enriching the Weston family and their shareholders while their workers struggle to make ends meet,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “If Loblaw Co. isn’t willing to do the right thing then it’s incumbent on Premier Fuery and his government to raise the minimum wage to a living wage that workers can survive on.” The workers began round the clock picket action at 9 a.m. this morning at the Distribution Centre at 35 Clyde Ave. Donovan Industrial Park, which supplies Loblaw-owned properties across Newfoundland including No Frills, Bidgood Fresh Mart, Cash and Carry St. John’s, Independent grocers and Shoppers Drug Mart. “Loblaw Companies Limited is using its corporate weight to try to crush these workers simply because they are asking for a living wage,” said Unifor 597 President Carolyn Wrice. The workers are asking the public to show their support at unifor.org/customerschoice to call on Galen Weston to provide a living wage. The workers have been on strike since August 22, 2020. More than 80% of the workers are classified as part-time, with more than half of earning minimum wage. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. For media inquiries or to arrange a Skype, Zoom or Facetime interview please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at @email or 416-896-3303 (cell).
