CANADA: Negotiations continue, but Loblaw strike still in the works

By just-food.com | 5 October 2006

As negotiations between union representatives and Loblaw management continue, the date that the union could launch a legal strike draws ever nearer.

In a statement released yesterday (4 October) leaders of the United Food and Commercial Workers said that "round the clock negotiations" saw both sides attempting to settle the dispute without resorting to industrial action.

"We expect to come out with a memorandum of agreement or, failing that, a final offer from the employer that in all likelihood our negotiating committee would not recommend," UFCW national director Wayne Hanley and two local presidents - Kevin Corporon and Scott Penner - said.

The union has received an overwhelming strike mandate from its members. It is legally able to launch a strike commencing tomorrow (6 October) - just in time for the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. However, if negotiations continue it is likely that a strike would occur sometime after this, the union said. The strike would effect Loblaw, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs outlets in Ontario.

"If there is a memorandum, or final offer, it will be presented to our members before the commencement of strike. The only way a strike might start earlier is if either of the negotiating parties should walk away from the table," the UFCW statement read.

Companies: Loblaw