Unifor has slammed Loblaw for offering frontline workers a “chump change” bonus.
The company is giving employees a one-time payment ranging from $25 to a maximum of $175 for full-time workers. Loblaw has also promised some employee discount events.
The grocery giant has been paying frontline workers a two-dollar pandemic pay boost, but stopped in June 2020.
“The unmitigated greed of Canada’s largest grocery retailer knows no limits,” said Unifor national president Jerry Dias.
“This paltry payment to frontline grocery workers, who are keeping us fed throughout this pandemic, is nothing short of a disgrace.”
Unifor also continues to demand provincial governments expedite the vaccination of all essential workers, including grocery store and warehouse, to reduce exposure to Covid-19 for workers, their families and their communities.
The company will extend three hours of paid time for vaccination to employees outside of areas where it is legislated, as called for by Unifor. Of the three largest grocery chains only Empire Company Ltd. has reinstated pandemic pay, while Metro has doled out store gift cards to its workers.
In a statement, Unifor pointed out that Loblaw’s outgoing CEO, Sarah Davis, was paid $6.4 million in total compensation in 2020 while executive chairman and director Galen Weston made $3.55 million.
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