THUNDER BAY – With Quality Market, Renco Foods, Metro and Safeway, along with the Real Canadian Superstore in Thunder Bay, a threatened strike by employees at the Real Canadian Superstore won’t mean a shortage of shopping alternatives for consumers.
Employees voted 86 per cent to give their local union, United Food and Commercial Workers Canada Local 1000A, a strike mandate in negotiations with Loblaw Companies Limited. The vote, which took place today at Valhalla Inn, affects more than 300 full-time and part-time workers at Thunder Bay’s biggest grocery retail store.
“With today’s strike mandate, workers have shown how strongly united and committed they are to a reasonable and fair deal,” said Kevin Corporon, President of UFCWCanada Local 1000A.
The workers, who have been without a contract since March 2009, have been in legal strike position since May 23, 2010.
The company is seeking a lengthy contract with several concessions and negligible increases that are significantly below the cost of inflation. Wages, benefits, pensions and scheduling are issues of concern. In light of the company’s proposals, the bargaining committee had recommended a strike mandate from the workers.
“The company’s proposals will have a devastating impact on Thunder Bay workers and families, who have worked so hard to make and keep this store profitable and competitive,” said Corporon.
oners, who will pay for the increased cost of heat and hydro at Ontario jails once his HST tax grab takes effect. He should be providing tax relief to families and not convicted prisoners”, complained Hudak.
The PCs have opposed the HST, but have not promised to scrap the tax if elected in 2011.