Following Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) announcement that it will liquidate its retail operations, Unifor is calling on the company to uphold its legal obligations to workers as priority number one and provide clear communication about the future of the announced liquidation.

“HBC must act in good faith by ensuring workers receive the wages, benefits, and severance they are entitled to under their collective agreements,” says Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Workers’ livelihoods are on the line—they’re rightfully concerned and deserve full transparency from HBC.”

Unifor Locals 40 and 240 represent approximately 320 HBC employees at stores in Windsor, Kitchener, and Toronto’s Sherway Gardens, as well as workers at the company’s e-commerce warehouse.

The union has been in discussions with HBC and is pressing the company for transparency regarding store closures, layoffs, and severance protections. Additionally, Unifor is calling for worker supports to be prioritized and increased within the creditors’ protection and bankruptcy processes, ensuring employees are not left behind as financial decisions are made.

Unifor will continue to advocate for members and ensure the company upholds its legal obligations to workers.

“Our members have been the backbone of HBC for decades,” added Payne. “Workers have shown dedication to this company, and now it’s HBC’s turn to show the same commitment by treating employees fairly and honouring its legal obligations.”

Unifor is continuing membership meetings with affected employees to address concerns and inform workers of their rights under their collective agreements and labour law.

Unifor encourages all workers to stay informed and reach out to their union for support.