Union welcomes tribunal decision against Emballages Mercato Inc. – UFCW 501
Montreal – December 9 2025 – The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 501 (UFCW 501), welcomes a major decision by the Tribunal administratif du travail (Labor Relations Board) in the ongoing unionization campaign at Emballages Mercato Inc. Following a provisional order, the TAT ordered the employer to immediately cease all forms of interference, intimidation, or anti-union communication aimed at compromising the employees' right to organize.
This decision was rendered following a complaint filed on November 17, 2025, by UFCW 501 and seven asylum-seeking workers, who denounced a series of employer actions that have occurred since the unionization process began in September. The TAT concluded, on the basis of sworn statements and corroborating evidence, that there was a serious appearance of a violation of sections 12 to 14 of the Labor Code. In particular, it found that the meetings held by management on November 11 were used to spread anti-union rhetoric, discredit the union, and unduly influence the will of employees, who are particularly vulnerable due to their immigration status.
The TAT also emphasizes that the employer imposed a sudden and abusive tightening of its internal policies on November 3, at the exact moment when four workers who had previously been dismissed for their union activities were reinstated. This overall change on the part of the employer, deemed incompatible with respect for the right of association, contributed to creating an intimidating climate that could compromise the legitimacy and cohesion of the unionization movement.
The order requires, among other things, that the employer cease all interference in union affairs, all dissemination of misleading or disparaging information, and all forms of intimidation against workers covered by the certification application. Emballages Mercato Inc. must also post the decision in a visible location, communicate it to all staff—including in a language understood by migrant workers—and comply with these directives until a final judgment on the merits is rendered.
"This decision confirms that Emballages Mercato workers have the fundamental right to unionize without being subjected to pressure, intimidation, or threats from management aimed at swaying their decision. The Tribunal recognized the seriousness of the situation and took the necessary steps to restore a fair climate, especially in a context where many employees are experiencing significant immigration insecurity," said Alain Lachaîne, president of UFCW 501.
UFCW 501 remains fully committed to supporting Emballages Mercato workers throughout the certification process. The union reiterates that it will not tolerate any attempts at intimidation, discrimination, or interference in the legitimate exercise of rights under the Labor Code.
About UFCW 501
With approximately 19,000 members in more than 410 units, UFCW 501 is part of the largest French-speaking food and commerce union in Quebec and also represents members in northern New Brunswick. Our larger organization has more than 55,000 members in Quebec, 255,000 in Canada, and over 1.2 million in North America. Our members work in all areas of the food and commerce industry, as well as in other fields such as service, processing, manufacturing, and technical and professional jobs.
