Metro 'Disappointed' by Warehouse Strike

MONTREAL - Canadian supermarket operator Metro in a statement Monday said it was “disappointed” by more than 300 union workers who called a strike at Metro‘s grocery warehouse here Friday. “We regret this situation especially since Metro generally enjoys excellent relations with its workforce and its unions,” the retailer said in a statement. “Our proposal does not warrant a strike since it offers the best conditions in the Quebec food distribution industry.” Around 315 workers, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 501 here, cited among other concerns, a plan by Metro to move jobs out of the bargaining unit, according to Louis Baldac, a spokesman for UFCW Canada. Negotiations with a conciliator are scheduled this week. Metro said that it would do “everything in its power to maintain the quality of service it is known for by ensuring the best possible supply to its stores under the circumstances.” Jon Springer