UFCW Canada and Loblaw nearing critical phase in Ontario grocery store
contract talks

TORONTO, Aug. 28 /CNW/ - The union that represents Loblaw workers in Ontario says there has been enough movement by the company on significant issues in this week's contract talks to warrant returning to the bargaining table.

Talks are scheduled from September 8-11, with the goal of reaching a settlement that the union's negotiating committee can recommend to the members. If no settlement is reached at that time, a strike deadline will be finalized.

UFCW Canada local unions 1977, 1000A and 175 & 633 have been negotiating with the province's dominant food retailer since April for renewal collective agreements covering 30,000 store-level workers throughout the province. The store banners involved include Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstores, Great Food and Fortinos, all subsidiaries of Weston-controlled Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest retailer.

UFCW Canada and its predecessor unions began representing workers at Loblaws in Ontario in 1944. The union also represents Loblaw Companies workers throughout Canada.

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