Canadian retailer Loblaw has resumed talks with unions today in a bid to agree a labour settlement for close to 30,000 of its staff.

The negotiations in Niagara Falls will take place in the presence of a mediation officer from the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

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The talks will centre on the renewal of collective agreements covering about 30,000 front line workers at Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstores, Great Food and Fortinos stores throughout Ontario who are members of UFCW Canada Locals 1000A, 1977, and 175 & 633.

The negotiations are scheduled to continue until this Friday (23 July).

“After a rocky start to negotiations that led to a 97 per cent-plus strike vote by union members earlier this month, both parties have now agreed that all issues are on the table for discussion,” a statement from the union said.

Earlier this month, the Loblaw workers voted to give their union authority to call a strike if talks with the retailer fail to produce an agreement

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Conciliation talks convened by the Ministry of Labour had broken off in late June with no progress. A “No Board” report by the Minister put the parties in a legal strike or lockout position from 10 July.

The union has claimed that a Loblaw proposal will cut wages by up to 25%, increase waiting time for benefits eligibility, reduce full-time jobs and impose availability rules on part-time workers that would make it very difficult for them to hold another part-time job or even, in the case of students, attend school.

The company argues that in many cases it pays 10% more than its competitors and has 15% less flexibility.

The union has declared that it will remain at the bargaining table as long as talks are progressing.

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