Newfoundland and Labrador Loblaw negotiations break off

Full-time workers make up only 17 per cent of workforce: Unifor

Newfoundland and Labrador Loblaw negotiations break off
The union represents more than 1,300 members at Dominion stores across N.L. Google Street View

Negotiations between Unifor and Loblaw Companies in St. John’s reached an impasse on Nov. 18, as the company didn't revisit its plan to cut full-time jobs at Dominion stores.

“Members are rightly concerned about the deteriorating quality of jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador, but their employer refuses to put the people of the province ahead of its massive profits,” says Jerry Dias, Unifor national president.

Improving job security in the face of technological change, enhancing work standards and protecting full-time are central priorities, says the union.

Unifor fought Loblaw’s plan to cut full-time jobs and expand part-time hiring when it was announced in June 2019. Loblaw, Canada’s largest food retailer, earned more than $800 million in net profit last year. Full-time positions in the province’s 11 stores have now been reduced to just 17 per cent of the workforce, says Unifor.

The union represents more than 1,300 members at Dominion stores across Newfoundland and Labrador. The current collective agreement expired on Oct. 28. The union plans to file for provincial conciliation imminently, says the union.

Unifor represents more than 20,000 members who work in supermarkets, pharmacies, appliance stores and other retail shops across Canada.

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