Metro’s unionized employees at 27 Toronto-area locations have ratified a new 5-year collective agreement which provides wage increases and pension and benefits improvements for all employees. This ends a month-long strike that began on July 29.
“We are pleased to have reached a fair and reasonable outcome,” said Joe Fusco, SPV, Metro, in a statement. “Throughout this process, Metro has remained committed to bargaining in good faith and made every reasonable effort to present a serious offer to meet the needs of our employees and our business. Our store employees benefit from wages and working conditions among the highest in the industry, and the new contract maintains those standards. For its part, the company improved its operational flexibility to function effectively in the country’s most competitive marketplace.”
The retailer said it’s looking forward to welcoming its employees and customers back to the affected stores on Tuesday, September 5.
“What a time to fight for workers. This is a historic collective agreement that sets a new bar for grocery store workers. It was achieved thanks to our members’ perseverance and unwavering solidarity, as well as incredible community support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, in a statement. “As a union we know the unique time we are experiencing in our fight for workers and we are determined to seize that moment as we continue to organize for better for workers everywhere.”
Related: Metro, Unifor Reach Tentative Agreement; ICYMI: Top Stories From August.