With 3,700 workers in GTA Metro stores ready to go on strike as early as 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, the grocery chain and Unifor Local 414 remain at the negotiation table.
While neither party has disclosed details of the ongoing negotiations taking place at a Toronto-area hotel, the union has publicly stated that there has been some progress in the discussions since the unanimous strike vote last month.
In an emailed statement, Metro spokesperson Stephanie Bonk stated that the company is committed to reaching an agreement and remains at the bargaining table.
"We are committed to working with the union to reach an agreement that meets the needs of our employees while also allowing the company the flexibility it needs to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our customers," said Bonk.
In an interview last month, shortly after Metro workers voted 100 percent in favor of a strike, Unifor National President Lana Payne stated that the union was seeking improved wages, benefits, and an increase in converting more part-time jobs to full-time.
Supermarket chains across the country saw their profits increase during the pandemic, and workers are seeking what they believe is their fair share, Payne said.
In the second quarter, Metro reported earnings of $218.8 million, a 10 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Metro also experienced a sales increase to $4.55 billion in the quarter, representing a 6.6 percent growth compared to the same period the previous year.