Sponsored By

Sobeys Warehouse Workers Strike

MILTON, Ontario — More than 400 workers at a Sobeys distribution center here went on strike Monday, saying they were unhappy with terms of a contract offer from the retailer.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

February 12, 2013

2 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

MILTON, Ontario — More than 400 workers at a Sobeys distribution center here went on strike Monday, saying they were unhappy with terms of a contract offer from the retailer.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 175, which represents 428 workers at the Milton Retail Support Center, broke off negotiations with Sobeys on Sunday, saying the retailer wanted a nine-year contract that “would limit the ability of the union and workers to go back to the table to resolve any matters for that duration,” the union said in a statement.

The union, which said it preferred a three-year deal, also said Sobeys’ offer would allow for “excessive” use of part-time workers, eroding full-time jobs.

More news: UNFI Teamsters Return to Work

“The members on strike at Sobeys have the full support of their Union and its resources,” said UFCW Local 175 President, Shawn Haggerty. "The striking workers are on the picket line and will continue to be there until the company agrees to return to the bargaining table and take a reasonable approach to the workers’ concerns."

Sobeys was not immediately available for comment. The Milton facility is one of three distribution centers the Stellarton, Nova Scotia-based retailer operates in Ontario. It primarily serves stores in Southern Ontario.

 

About the Author

Jon Springer

Executive Editor

Jon Springer is executive editor of Winsight Grocery Business with responsibility for leading its digital news team. Jon has more than 20 years of experience covering consumer business and retail in New York, including more than 14 years at the Retail/Financial desk at Supermarket News. His previous experience includes covering consumer markets for KPMG’s Insiders; the U.S. beverage industry for Beverage Spectrum; and he was a Senior Editor covering commercial real estate and retail for the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jon began his career as a sports reporter and features editor for the Cecil Whig, a daily newspaper in Elkton, Md. Jon is also the author of two books on baseball. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Journalism from the University of Delaware. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his family.

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like