The following update was issued jointly by the presidents of
UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633, UFCW Canada Local 1000a,
and UFCW Canada Local 1977.

On May 4, 2010, negotiations came to a halt for members working at Loblaws, Zehrs, Great Food Store, Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos.

With unanimous support of the bargaining committee, we have contacted the Ministry of Labour to request the appointment of a conciliation officer. This is the first time in Loblaws’ bargaining history that conciliation was absolutely necessary this early in negotiations. The four Local Unions are prepared to negotiate and will be meeting with the company and conciliator in June.

The company is unwilling to bargain productively. The company has made it clear that they only want to operate under the economics of the RCSS and Great Food banners, which will eliminate all conventional collective agreements. They also want to erode existing conditions in RCSS and Great Food. They categorically refuse to address any of the Union's proposals regarding conventional stores. Ultimately, these changes would negatively affect 30,000 members. It’s time the company recognizes the efforts and hard work of the members who have made this company successful and profitable over the past 60 years and will continue to do so in the future.

These are setting out to be the most difficult negotiations all four Locals have experienced with the company. We sincerely appreciate the strong support of our members behind the negotiating committee and we will continue to update our membership as new information becomes available.

In solidarity,