Author Archives: Kendra Coulter

Future of Rona Affects Retail Workers

Lowe’s takeover bid of Canada’s large hardware/home improvement chain, Rona, has implications for thousands of retail workers, particularly those in the stores in Québec, members of TUAC 500 (UFCW).  The current government of Québec has said it is not in favour of the takeover due to Rona’s prioritization of Canadian suppliers, and the potential impact on the regional and national economy if the stores were to be acquired by Lowe’s. Read more about the issues in this CBC report.

What is the Role of the Canadian Government?

In the shadow of Target’s move into Canada, the UFCW raises a crucial issue for retail workers. Should the Canadian government have a responsibility to protect jobs, particularly when foreign retail companies move into Canada? The UFCW’s position is here. This issue warrants further discussion by retail and all other workers, and prompts us to think about what democracy really means, the rights of workers, the rights of corporations, and what the Canadian government could be doing.

6400 Zellers Workers Losing Their Jobs

HBC has announced it will close the remaining Zellers stores which were not taken over by Target. About 6400 workers will lose their jobs.  Workers in the stores being converted to Target have also been told that they are being laid off. I send my condolences to all the Zellers workers who are losing their jobs – from the newest additions, to those who have worked in the stores for nearly forty years. This is a strong reminder of the need to revolutionize retail so workers’ needs are taken more seriously.

T&T Grocery Union Vote Results Not Yet Known

The workers in the warehouse at T&T Grocery in Scarborough voted on whether to join the UFCW Canada on Monday, July 23. However, due to disagreements between the union and the company about which workers were eligible to vote, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has sealed the ballot box until the issues are resolved.  This story from the Globe and Mail outlines the key issues which led to the unionization vote, and this story discusses the vote itself.

Study on Relationship Between Profits and Wages

The National Employment Law Project has released an important study focusing on companies’ profits and whether profits translate into better wages.  The study, based on US census data, has some significant data for retail and other low-wage service workers, including that the large companies making profits still primarily only pay minimum-wage.  The NELP media release with key links is available here. You can also read this story in the Nation.