Sears Continues Lock Out Of Its Warehouse Employees After Demanding Cuts

VAUGHAN, ON, April 12 /CNW/ - The very profitable Sears Canada has locked out its 500 warehouse employees and forced them onto the picket lines.

Throughout negotiations Sears refused to move from their original position of roll-backs to pensions, health-care benefits, vacation entitlement and other standard provisions.

"Sears was insisting that all those aspects of the contract should simply read: "as per the company policy" - thereby giving management the right to unilaterally and arbitrarily change virtually every aspect of our compensation and other working conditions," said Terry Bea, Staff Representative from Peel-Halton.

Even though this giant retailer has reported profits in excess of $240 million in the past two years, Sears walked away from the bargaining table on March 23rd and refused to return to negotiate before locking the doors April 1st.

"It is shameful that they are treating their workers in this disrespectful way," said Bea.

"By refusing to negotiate and locking their workers out, Sears is seemingly riding the coattails of the recession and using the economic climate to take advantage of the men and women who work hard for them."

"Sears should get back to the bargaining table now. We believe Canadians should not shop at Sears while they continue to lock out their employees," added Wayne Fraser, Director of Steelworkers in District 6.

For further information: Terry Bea - Staff Representative, [phone], [email protected]; Wayne Fraser - Director, [phone], [email protected]