October 15, 2020

ST. JOHN’S–In the eighth week of escalating strike action, Dominion workers have begun picketing at the Loblaw Distribution Centre in St. John’s.

“These frontline grocery workers have been on the picket line for almost two months. In that time Loblaw Co. has continued to rake in increased profits across the country due to COVID-19 but the company has refused to improve its failed offer to Dominion workers by one red cent,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “It’s time for Loblaw to stop disrespecting their employees and to come back to the negotiating table for a serious discussion.”

The workers began action at 9 a.m. this morning at the Distribution Centre at 35 Clyde Ave. Donovan Industrial Park, which supplies Loblaw-owned properties across Newfoundland including No Frills, Bidgood Fresh Mart, Cash and Carry St. John’s, Independent grocers and Shoppers Drug Mart.

The workers have been on strike since August 22, 2020 after overwhelmingly rejecting Loblaw’s offer of a $1 wage increase over three years. More than half of the workers earn the provincial minimum wage of $12.15, despite serving their communities during COVID-19.

“The workers are asking for a living wage but ironically it seems that Loblaw is looking to starve out its own employees,” said Unifor 597 President Carolyn Wrice. “The only way this ends is through fair bargaining.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.