Sobeys Warehouse Workers Strike

MILTON, Ontario — More than 400 workers at a Sobeys distribution center here went on strike Monday, saying they were unhappy with terms of a contract offer from the retailer.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 175, which represents 428 workers at the Milton Retail Support Center, broke off negotiations with Sobeys on Sunday, saying the retailer wanted a nine-year contract that “would limit the ability of the union and workers to go back to the table to resolve any matters for that duration,” the union said in a statement.

The union, which said it preferred a three-year deal, also said Sobeys’ offer would allow for “excessive” use of part-time workers, eroding full-time jobs.

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“The members on strike at Sobeys have the full support of their Union and its resources,” said UFCW Local 175 President, Shawn Haggerty. "The striking workers are on the picket line and will continue to be there until the company agrees to return to the bargaining table and take a reasonable approach to the workers’ concerns."

Sobeys was not immediately available for comment. The Milton facility is one of three distribution centers the Stellarton, Nova Scotia-based retailer operates in Ontario. It primarily serves stores in Southern Ontario.