UFCW Canada and Loblaw to continue Ontario grocery store contract talks; no
strike date set

TORONTO, Aug. 13 /CNW/ - The latest session of contract talks between Loblaw and the union that represents 30,000 of the grocery giant's workers in several Ontario banners wound up yesterday in Niagara Falls with the two sides agreeing to resume negotiations later this month.

UFCW Canada local unions 1977, 1000A and 175 & 633 say that none of the major issues on the table have yet been settled but that, "as long as there is forward momentum towards a settlement, we will continue to negotiate."

Although the union was given a 97 per cent strike mandate by its membership in early July, no strike date has yet been set.

Talks are scheduled to reconvene on August 24, 2010.

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