Canada's leading union committed to representing members impacted by Sobeys announcement

TORONTO, ­­June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - As Canada's leading union for retail workers, UFCW Canada is committed to representing members who are affected by restructuring at Sobeys. The Empire Co. Ltd., which owns Sobeys and its banner stores, announced today that approximately 50 stores will be closed; stating the aim of the move is to improve net earnings. The planned closures are part of the company's ongoing review of its store network, which began following the Sobeys takeover of Safeway stores in Western Canada last year.

UFCW Canada and its Local Unions represent employees at more than 350 Sobeys, Safeway, IGA and Freshco stores across the country. The union also represents workers at Sobeys distribution centres in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Members of UFCW Canada who are affected by store closures are protected by collective agreements which include language regarding seniority rights and other safeguards.

"I want to assure all of our members at Sobeys and Safeway that their union will work hard to make sure the company abides by the language negotiated in their collective agreements," says Paul Meinema, UFCW Canada National President, "Any and all restructuring must be done in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement and should reflect the fact that these members have helped build Sobeys as a successful company."   

UFCW Canada is Canada's leading and most progressive union, representing more than a quarter of a million workers in Canada's fastest growing industries. UFCW Canada is the country's most innovative organization dedicated to building fairness in workplaces and communities. To find out more about UFCW Canada and its groundbreaking work, please visit www.ufcw.ca.

SOURCE: United Food and Commercial Workers Canada

Kevin Shimmin, National Representative, UFCW Canada, 416-675-1104, extension 2230