UNIQLO workers at Toronto Eaton Centre move to unionize

Would affect 169 employees: WUCC

UNIQLO employees at the Toronto Eaton Centre are eager to form a union after filing an application Aug. 19 with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), according to the Workers United Canada Council (WUCC).

The OLRB will oversee a vote in the workplace on Aug. 22, 2017.

UNIQLO opened its first Canadian location in September 2016. But the workers at their Eaton Centre store complain of stressful and unfair working conditions that have resulted in extremely high turnover, said the union.

There are presently 169 employees at the 27,400 square foot UNIQLO store in the Toronto Eaton Centre. Workers say the store has struggled to retain employees due to exhausting hours and scheduling requirements, according to WUCC.

"UNIQLO workers have decided to form a union in order to improve their working conditions," said Jas Randhawa, organizer with WUCC. "The workers want fair shifts and breaks, they want labour laws to be followed, and they want respect from their management."

UNIQLO currently has two locations in Toronto and will be opening their third Canadian location in Burnaby, B.C. this fall. 

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