The grocery chain worker strike in Toronto has entered its third week, and Metro is now seeking assistance from the Ministry of Labour.
The strike, which began on December 5, 2021, has affected over 12,000 employees at 69 Metro stores across the Greater Toronto Area. The workers, who are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1000A, are demanding better wages, benefits, and job security.
Metro has been in negotiations with the union since October, but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement. As a result, the strike has continued for over two weeks, causing disruptions for customers and employees alike.
In a statement released on Monday, Metro said that they have requested the assistance of the Ministry of Labour to help facilitate negotiations and reach a resolution. The company also expressed their disappointment in the union’s decision to continue the strike, stating that it is causing unnecessary hardship for their employees and customers.
The UFCW Local 1000A, on the other hand, has accused Metro of not taking the negotiations seriously and failing to address the workers’ concerns. The union has also criticized the company for hiring temporary workers to fill in for the striking employees, calling it a “union-busting” tactic.
The strike has received support from other unions and community groups, who have joined the picket lines to show solidarity with the workers. They have also called on Metro to listen to the workers’ demands and come to a fair agreement.
Meanwhile, customers have been feeling the effects of the strike, with some reporting long lineups and empty shelves at Metro stores. Many have expressed their support for the striking workers and their frustration with the company’s handling of the situation.
The Ministry of Labour has not yet commented on Metro’s request for assistance, but they have been monitoring the situation closely. They have also urged both parties to continue negotiating in good faith to reach a resolution.
As the strike enters its third week, the future remains uncertain for both the workers and the company. It is clear that the issues at hand must be addressed and a fair agreement must be reached in order to end the strike and alleviate the hardships faced by all those involved.
