UFCW Canada Local 503 members on strike at 13 Maxi stores in Eastern Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, October 22, 2008 – Following unsuccessful negotiations that have dragged on for two-and-a-half years, the 789 UFCW Canada Local 503 members at 13 Maxi stores in Eastern Quebec exercised their right to go on a general unlimited strike as of 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

Some of these workers have had a freeze on their salary and working conditions since the signing of their last collective agreement between 6 to 8 years ago depending on the location.

Among the affected stores, seven are located in the greater Quebec City area, three in the Mauricie region, one in Montmagny, one in Rimouski and one in Sept-Îles.

Members at these 13 Maxi stores are seeking the same contract as the one recently obtained by workers at the Maxi store in Baie-Comeau, Quebec but Provigo management has refused to consider the same working conditions. Maxi and Provigo are divisions of Loblaw Companies Limited.

The main demands of the UFCW Local 503 members are:

- Salary increases of 3%;
- Protection for regular employees;
- Rotation for Sunday work;
- Choice of scheduled hours by seniority