TORONTO -- A union local representing some workers at some Loblaws stores in Ontario says it is "ramping up strike preparations" after its members rejected a tentative contract.
Local 1000A of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Canada said in a release Sunday that its members at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore had rejected the agreement during votes held around Ontario from June 14 to 20 and said it would train picket captains this week.
However, there was no further information available Monday from Local 1000A, which represents workers in produce, bakery and meat departments as well as bookkeepers and accountants, or from the company.
Repeated calls and emails to the union local and Loblaw head office weren't returned Monday.
UFCW Local 1000A's website says the tentative agreement dated June 2 applies to members at Loblaws, Real Canadian Super Stores and Great Canadian Food Stores, three of the many banners within the Loblaw group of companies.
Repeated calls and emails to the union local and Loblaw head office weren't returned Monday.
Derek Johnstone, the Ontario director for United Food and Commercial Workers Canada, declined to comment Monday, saying it would be best to reach out to the union local and monitor its website for updates.
Local 1000A didn't provide a vote tally and said final percentages would be provided early this week "but the fact the tentative agreement was rejected won't change. Your union is ramping up strike preparations."
