Grocery store contract talks continue between UFCW Canada and Loblaw.

TORONTO, July 22 /CNW/ - Negotiations aimed at reaching a new collective agreement for 30,000 unionized Ontario workers at stores owned by Loblaw Companies Ltd. adjourned today after a four-day bargaining session in Niagara Falls. The workers are represented by UFCW Canada local unions 1977, 1000A and 175 & 633.

Talks involving the full bargaining committees of both parties are scheduled to resume on August 9, 2010.

Earlier this month, the workers voted by more than 97 per cent to give their union a strike mandate. The union has said, however, that it will stay at the bargaining table as long as progress is being made towards a settlement.

The store banners affected by these negotiations include Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstores, Great Food and Fortinos, all subsidiaries of Weston-controlled Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest retailer.

For further information:

UFCW Local 1977: Scott Penner, President. Phone: [phone]. www.ufcw1977.ca

UFCW Local 1000A: Kevin Corporon, President. Phone: [phone]. www.ufcw1000a.ca

UFCW Local 175: Shawn Haggerty, President. Phone: [phone]. www.ufcw175.com