A Food Basics store will replace a Metro grocery store in Ottawa’s South Keys area this autumn, leading to the loss of jobs for many employees. Metro Inc. stated that the decision to convert the store was made to better cater to customer needs in the region. The transition to a discount banner was driven by local market conditions and demand.
The unexpected announcement left Southgate Metro employees, like Justin Braganza, who has worked at the store for over 30 years, shocked. They were informed of the closure in May due to financial pressures such as increased rent and profitability concerns.
Despite the impact on the 72 employees at the Southgate location, Metro clarified that workers do not have the option to transfer to other Metro stores per their collective agreement. Those interested in working at the new Food Basics store are encouraged to apply for positions.
The new Food Basics store’s collective agreement stipulates that a minimum of 10 part-time and five full-time employees from the former Southgate Metro must be hired if they apply. Seniority from their Metro tenure will be considered within Food Basics’ pay scale. However, for employees like Braganza, who is a meat cutter, the change presents uncertainties as Food Basics does not employ meat cutters.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union negotiated enhanced options for affected members, including job opportunities at the new store and improved severance benefits. The union’s efforts were acknowledged by employees, but questions regarding the change in corporate identity and potential anti-union behavior were raised by legal experts.
Despite the challenges faced by employees, settlements between the union and the employer could potentially resolve the situation. However, workers like Braganza feel powerless and are grappling with the impending loss of their workplace “family” at the Southgate Metro.