In response to Loblaw’s decision not to recognize September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as a statutory holiday for our members, UFCW Canada Local 1006A has filed grievances against Loblaws Great Food, RCSS and the Maple Grove Distribution Centre.
An arbitration date has been scheduled for October 18, 2021 for the Maple Grove grievance, where we will be asking the arbitrator that our members be paid in accordance with the collective agreements recognizing September 30 as a statutory holiday. Arbitration dates are being arranged for the Loblaws Great Food and RCSS grievances.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is important for Canadians because of its significance to our country’s history and future, and Loblaw, as a national company, needs to do better. We urge Loblaw to honour the history and struggles of Indigenous people, honour our members and their union contracts and recognize this day as a statutory holiday for our members. Loblaw, who wants to be recognized as a leading national employer, is showing their lack of corporate social responsibility.
Once again we find ourselves fighting with Loblaw to do the right thing by living up to their commitments in the union contract. If the commitment to Indigenous people is deeply personal as noted on their website, Loblaw should truly help with the process of reconciliation by honouring the union contract and recognizing September 30 as a statutory holiday for our members. It’s shameful that, after professing to stand up for human rights and diversity, they have repeatedly failed to take action on this important issue.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your union representative.
