The union representing more than 500 workers at the Loblaws distribution center in Calgary said its members received a layoff notice Monday.
In a news release sent out by Teamsters Local Union 987 of Alberta (Teamsters 987), it said more than 527 of the 534 members at the center have received the notices effective this week.
Members bargain for a wage increase as part of their collective agreement. The news release notes that its members “earn less than the Calgary Acceptable Living Wage of $22.40, but they also now face layoffs just before the holiday season.”
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The union has been in talks with Loblaws since its current agreement expired on June 6. Teamsters 987 members rejected the employer’s offer on Nov. 3, along with rejecting the same offer on Nov. 15, which proposed a supervised Labor Council vote.
“These members are dedicated to helping Loblaw move product to its many stores across Western Canada,” said Teamsters 987 spokesperson John Taylor.
“As they negotiate for higher wages and a better quality of life, they face unnecessary layoffs, all while Loblaws profits continue to rise. We believe that time with family is a basic right that our members deserve.”
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Global News reached out to Loblaws for comment, but did not hear back by the time this article was published.
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