Alberta Teamsters reaches agreement with Loblaws
Posted Nov 26, 2022 7:24 pm.
Teamsters Local Union 987 (Teamsters 987) has reached an agreement with Loblaws hours before being locked out of the Calgary Freeport Facility on Friday.
As Loblaws was preparing for a lockout, it laid off 534 Teamsters members in the affected distribution centre.
On Nov. 26, the company’s offer was accepted by 66 per cent of voting members.
According to the union, it advocated for better quality of life and wage increases.
“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 on Monday.
The union added the company’s offer was rejected twice this month.
“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.”
The employees’ previous agreement expired on June 6.
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Loblaw owns and operates several supermarket chains, including Real Canadian Superstore, and Loblaws.
— With files from Joey Chini.
