Strike Preparations Underway as Grocery Workers Turn Down Tentative Agreement with Loblaw Companies Ltd

TORONTO, June 24, 2015 /CNW/- UFCW Canada Local 1000A members voted 61 per cent to reject a tentative agreement with Loblaw Companies Ltd.

The union represents approximately 12,000 members working at Loblaws Great Food and Superstores across Ontario. 

"Our members have spoken and we stand shoulder to shoulder with them as we prepare for strike action," said Pearl Sawyer, President of UFCW Canada Local 1000A.

Polls took place across Ontario from June 14, 2015 to June 20, 2015. 

Preparations for a strike are underway, with picket captains from across Ontario being trained this week. 

Consultations with the membership and picket captains are ongoing this week prior to a strike deadline being set. In addition, the union has communicated to the company its willingness to return to the bargaining table. 

"Our goal has always been to reach a fair settlement for our members," Sawyer said. "We are prepared to continue negotiating in good faith and give the company a reasonable opportunity to respond to this very clear signal of dissatisfaction from its hard-working employees."

Negotiations began in February 2015. 

In May 2015, the membership voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike if a fair contract is not reached. 

The union's agreement is with Loblaws Supermarkets Ltd and covers 60 Loblaws Great Food and Superstores and two stand-alone Joe Fresh stores.

UFCW Canada Local 1000A represents nearly 30,000 workers across Ontario. 

Local 1000A will not be communicating further with media at this time beyond this release.

SOURCE UFCW CANADA LOCAL 1000A