Teamsters to Protest Closing of HBC Warehouse in Lachine

"It makes you wonder whether The Bay isn't simply in the process of closing down all its activities in Quebec ."

LAVAL, QC, Jan. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - On January 29th , members of the Teamsters Union will gather in the Borough of Lachine ( Montreal ) to protest the permanent closing of HBC's distribution centre, planned for mid-February.

This demonstration is taking place nearly one year to the day after this same company closed its call center.

"It makes you wonder if The Bay isn't simply in the process of closing down all its activities in Quebec ," stated Gerry Boutin , president of Teamsters Local Union 931, which represents the distribution centre workers. "It is a sad day for these people who will have to look for new jobs as of February."

HBC management announced the bad news to its 150 workers last November 12th , invoking logistical reorganization as a reason for the closure.

The distribution centre supplied The Bay and some Zeller stores in Quebec and the Maritimes. All activities will now be centralized in Toronto for eastern Canada and in Vancouver for western Canada .

"I invite municipal, provincial, and federal elected representatives to join us on January 29th," said Mr. Boutin . "In my opinion, the workers would appreciate their support during this difficult period."

    
    What: Rally to support the 150 workers of The Bay's distribution centre
    who will lose their jobs in February.

    When: Friday, January 29, 2010, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

    Where: The Bay Distribution Centre
           2105 23rd Avenue, Lachine, QC H8T 1X3

    Spokespersons: Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications for Teamsters
    Canada, and Teamsters Local Union 931 directors will be onsite to answer
    journalists' questions.
    

The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America .

For further information: Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada, [phone]