Canada’s largest private-sector union is ready to go on strike in an effort to get fair pay at Metro grocery stores in the Toronto area.
Unifor Local 414 lists 3,700 grocery store workers representing 27 Metro locations in the greater Toronto area as its members, and the group voted 100% “yes” to walk off the job ahead of collective bargaining negotiations on June 26.
The main sticking point is wages. Unifor claims Metro grocery has been rolling in record profits since the COVID-19 pandemic and members want equal financial compensation.
“Metro must address low wages that have been further reduced by inflation and give workers their fair share of record company profits,” says Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Grocery workers deserve good jobs, it’s that simple,” she said. “And that’'s exactly what this round of bargaining is all about. The overwhelming strike vote shows the unity and determination of grocery workers as we work toward a collective agreement that addresses key issues that impact workers and customers.”
The union workers are not only looking for a boost in pay — they also want greater access to improved benefits and more secure, stable work hours, and full-time job availability.
“What were once some of the best, family supporting jobs in Canada are now among the lowest paid in the country. You know it’'s bad when a grocery worker can't afford the food they're stocking on Metro's shelves,” says Gord Currie, president of Unifor Local 414.
“The 100% strike vote is a clear message from dedicated Metro workers of their unwavering resolve to fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and to protect good jobs,” Curried added. “Unifor stands with them every step of the way as they negotiate with one of Canada's most profitable grocery giants.”
The union has also taken its fight to the internet by setting up a website which contains Unifor’s solutions that impact grocery workers and shoppers. People can also sign a pledge to show their support.
Supermarket News reached out to Metro about the possible strike, but the grocer had no comment.
