Hundreds of Calgary Loblaw workers to be laid off: Union

More than 500 workers at a Calgary Loblaw distribution centre have been served layoff notices, according to a local union.

Loblaw owns and operates several supermarket chains, including Real Canadian Superstore as well as Loblaws.

Teamsters Local Union 987 says the 527 layoffs come during contract negotiations, adding it’s preparing for possible job action in response.

The union says the negotiations involved workers asking for “better quality of life and wage increases as part of their collective agreement.”

“A portion of the distribution centre workers who earn hourly wages are not only struggling with earning less than the acceptable living wage for Calgary of $22.401, but they are also now facing layoffs just ahead of the holiday season. There are 534 Teamsters members who work in the affected Loblaw distribution centre,” Teamsters said in a release.

The union adds its members have rejected Loblaw’s offers twice this month, once on Nov. 3 and again on Nov. 15. It says the offer from Loblaw was the same both times, and the second rejection came during “a Labour Board supervised proposal vote.”

“These members are dedicated to helping Loblaw move product to its many stores across Western Canada. As they negotiate for higher wages and a better quality of life, they are facing unnecessary layoffs, all while Loblaw profits continue to soar,” John Taylor, business agent with Teamsters Local Union 987, said. “We believe that having time with family are basic rights that our members deserve. Our members are feeling the pain of record inflation, especially at the grocery store, and have voiced their concerns. We will always stand up for our members.”

Teamsters says it’s willing to come back to the bargaining table.

CityNews has reached out to Loblaw for comment.