Canada’s largest retail union applauds Loblaw decision to sign Bangladesh Accord

Toronto – May 15, 2013 – Canada’s largest retail union, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada), is applauding Loblaw Companies Limited today for committing to sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.

“The Accord is an important part of a growing international movement to establish real health and safety protections for workers around the world,” says Wayne Hanley, national president of UFCW Canada. Responding to the tragedy earlier this month where more than 1,000 factory workers in Bangladesh died when their workplace building collapsed, the UFCW has worked very closely with its international partners, and leading retailers like Loblaws, to secure a new set of standards that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“On behalf of more than 250,000 UFCW Canada members – including more than 80,000 Loblaw workers – we commend Loblaw for working with UFCW and the international labour movement on this vital issue, and for committing to develop and embrace a new era of life-saving health and safety standards for textile workers,” adds Hanley.

By pledging to sign the Accord, Loblaw joins many of the world’s largest retailers, including H&M, Tesco and Carrefour, who collectively operate at more than 1,000 production facilities around the globe, and who, through signing the Accord, are now fully committed to putting people before profits at their supplier factories.

“The Accord, and the commitment made by leading retailers like Loblaw, is essential to finally bringing an end to the horrendous events that have taken so many lives in the garment industry in Bangladesh, and UFCW Canada is very proud to have partnered with Loblaw in taking this important step toward greater rights and protections for workers everywhere."

The United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW Canada) is Canada’s largest private-sector union and leading voice for retail workers, representing more than a quarter of a million workers across the country.