Superstore employees to decide whether or not to strike

Jul 4, 2022 | 9:30 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — It’s decision time for union members employed by BC Superstore.

Nearly 10,000 retail grocery and warehouse workers, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 247, are voting this week on whether to accept a new collective agreement or issue strike notice against Loblaw, the company that owns and operates the affected 28 Superstore locations and three distribution warehouses in the province, including a location in Prince George. There are just under 350 members in Prince George.

After union members rejected an initial company offer in April, they voted 97 per cent in favour of taking strike action in May.

The union says Loblaw officials returned with a new offer with greater wage increases for long-term, senior employees, an improved and unified wage scale benefitting 6,500 employees, major scheduling, major scheduling improvements for part-time employees expanded night shift premiums, a commitment to creating 112 full-time positions, signing bonuses for all employees, and other improvements that address some long-standing contract issues.

“At the bargaining table, our committee was clear to the company that, while this is a substantially improved company offer, if it is turned down, we will be supporting our members’ decision by issuing strike notice and setting up picket lines,” said President Dan Goodman.

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According to UFCW Local 247, Loblaw will issue lockout notice should union members turn down their offer.

Voting on the new offer started last week and ballots will be counted this Friday.

The union says thousands of its members have registered for picket duty and hundreds of members have received union picket captain training just in case.

While strike notice is normally 72 hours, it is expected that Loblaw will seek to extend the notice period because the dispute would involve perishable goods.

“This contract is all about pay, fairness, and equity for our members,” said Goodman. “These are inflationary times, and our members have been called pandemic heroes. We all see what groceries are costing these days, and our members are putting those items on the shelves.”

by Greg Fry

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Superstore employees to decide whether or not to strike

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