Strike is over for N.L. Dominion store workers, but there is no happy ending: Unifor

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A 12-week strike is over for Dominion workers in Newfoundland and Labrador, but their union says the new contract doesn’t offer a livable wage.

Unifor’s Chris MacDonald said today workers agreed to the new contract offer by parent company Loblaw Companies Ltd. because the employer made it clear they wouldn’t get anything better.

The offer includes a $1.35-an-hour raise spread out over four years as well as President’s Choice gift cards valued up to $500.

MacDonald says most Dominion employees earn minimum wage —$12.15 an hour — and the increase won’t let them meet their basic needs.

He says Unifor will form a committee to mobilize workers across Canada to fight Loblaw for better jobs and wages.
Workers at Dominion grocery stores in Newfoundland and Labrador went on strike in August, shortly after the company dropped the $2-an-hour pay boost it gave to workers during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2020.