A major grocery store chain employees vote to strike ahead of negotiations in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and the GTA

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Published June 20, 2023 at 3:16 pm

Over 3,700 workers at across 27 Metro Stores in the Greater Toronto Area have voted to go on strike ahead of next week's contract negotiations with the grocery store chain. (CNW GROUP/UNIFOR PHOTO)

Metro employees in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and other Greater Toronto Area grocery stores have unanimously delivered a “historic” strike voted ahead of contract negations with the grocery store chain.

Unifor Local 414, which represents 3,700 workers across 27 Metro Stores in the Greater Toronto Area, said the workers have united to demand, what they say, is fair pay, access to benefits and stable work hours ahead of their first contract negotiations with the company since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Metro must address low wages that have been further reduced by inflation and give workers their fair share of record company profits,” says Unifor National President, Lana Payne. “Grocery workers deserve good jobs, it’s that simple. And that’s exactly what this round of bargaining is all about.

“The overwhelming strike vote shows the unity and determination of grocery workers as we work toward a collective agreement that addresses key issues that impact workers and customers.”

The union begins collective agreement negotiations with Metro next Monday (June 26, 2023).

“At the bargaining table, we have three key priorities: fair pay for all workers; greater access to improved benefits; and more secure, stable work hours and full-time jobs,” says Gord Currie, President of Unifor Local 414. “What were once some of the best, family supporting jobs in Canada are now among the lowest paid in the country.

“You know it’s bad when a grocery worker can’t afford the food they’re stocking on Metro’s shelves.”

The union says the 100 per cent strike vote sends a clear message from the workers of their willingness to fight for fair wages, better working conditions and to protect good jobs.

“Unifor stands with them every step of the way as they negotiate with one of Canada’s most profitable grocery giants,” continues Payne.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents over 315,000 workers.

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