Barry’s Bay, Ont. – March 5, 2024 – Workers at the Metro story in Barry’s Bay, Ontario have voted in favour of joining UFCW Locals 175 & 633.

Last October, the franchisee owners of the store announced their retirement, and that the store would be taken over by Metro corporate. As a result of the news, workers contacted UFCW Locals 175 & 633 representatives in the area to discuss their options.

Due the change, workers were faced with much uncertainty and were worried about their job security, securing scheduling rights and wages, benefits and pension, and ensuring income retention in the rural area where employment can be scarce. As a result, the workers voted to join the union.

After the vote, workers were relieved to not only have secured their futures but also the opportunity to negotiate better wages, benefits, a pension, and scheduling.

“We are proud of these workers for standing strong in a time of uncertainty and applaud their decision to seek out our Union,” said UFCW 175 President Kelly Tosato. “From the time of Steinberg stores to A&P, and now to Metro, UFCW Locals 175 & 655 has always strived to make the lives of our members better. We look forward to welcoming these members.”

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represents more than 70,000 Union Members across Ontario working including approximately 42,000 retail workers at Loblaw, Metro, and Sobeys banner stores, and more. In addition, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 has thousands of more members working in the industrial, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, packinghouse, and other sectors. To learn more about UFCW 175 & 633 and their outstanding work, visit the local union’s website.

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