Canadian grocery retailer Loblaw and workers union UFCW have reached a tentative labour deal, averting a potential strike next week.

The bargaining committees of local unions 1977, 1000A and 175 & 633 are recommending ratification of the deal to their 30,000 members who work at Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstores, Great Food stores and Fortinos outlets in Ontario.

Voting began yesterday (3 October) and will continue until Wednesday.

The groups have been in negotiations since April and the union was threatening to strike if no agreement was reached by 8 October.