[Canada] Walmart alleged to have frozen unionised workers’ wages

In Canada, Unifor - the nation’s largest union - has alleged that Walmart is freezing wages to retaliate against employees who recently formed a union, HRD reports.

On December 3, Unifor filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board, citing violations of the Canada Labour Code (CLC).

The union reportedly noted that punitive wage freezes during union certification processes are prohibited under sections 24(4) and 50(b) of the CLC.

In addition, Unifor alleges that Walmart:

• distributed anti-union materials
• held captive audience meetings to spread misleading information
• encouraged workers to revoke union membership.

“Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy,” Lana Payne - Unifor National President - said. “The spike in unionization at Walmart facilities in Canada is evidence that workers at Walmart are ready to improve their job security, wages, and working conditions.”

In an email exchange with Daily Hive, a Walmart Canada spokesperson said that they are aware of the labour practice complaint filed by Unifor against the company.

“We strongly disagree with this claim and are proud of our focus on our associates, including our history of direct communication with our people,” the statement reads, according to the report. “All actions we have taken have been in good faith and in compliance with the law.”

Workers from an increasing number of Walmart locations are seeking to join the union, according to Unifor. In September, Walmart Canada warehouse workers in Ontario were permitted to unionise, a move then reportedly followed by drivers in Surrey, B.C.

Unifor represents 320,000 workers. It said the process of negotiating a first contract for the unionised workers in Mississauga and Surrey is also underway.

Source: HRD

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

In Canada, Unifor - the nation’s largest union - has alleged that Walmart is freezing wages to retaliate against employees who recently formed a union, HRD reports.

On December 3, Unifor filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board, citing violations of the Canada Labour Code (CLC).

The union reportedly noted that punitive wage freezes during union certification processes are prohibited under sections 24(4) and 50(b) of the CLC.

In addition, Unifor alleges that Walmart:

• distributed anti-union materials
• held captive audience meetings to spread misleading information
• encouraged workers to revoke union membership.

“Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy,” Lana Payne - Unifor National President - said. “The spike in unionization at Walmart facilities in Canada is evidence that workers at Walmart are ready to improve their job security, wages, and working conditions.”

In an email exchange with Daily Hive, a Walmart Canada spokesperson said that they are aware of the labour practice complaint filed by Unifor against the company.

“We strongly disagree with this claim and are proud of our focus on our associates, including our history of direct communication with our people,” the statement reads, according to the report. “All actions we have taken have been in good faith and in compliance with the law.”

Workers from an increasing number of Walmart locations are seeking to join the union, according to Unifor. In September, Walmart Canada warehouse workers in Ontario were permitted to unionise, a move then reportedly followed by drivers in Surrey, B.C.

Unifor represents 320,000 workers. It said the process of negotiating a first contract for the unionised workers in Mississauga and Surrey is also underway.

Source: HRD

(Links and quotes via original reporting)