BRAMPTON, Ont. — Union leaders are taking aim at Loblaw Cos. as the grocer raises shareholder dividends even as it refuses to reinstate the “hero pay” premium for front-line workers, discontinued in June.
“Once again we are disappointed that Loblaw has prioritized wealthy shareholders over our members who continue to work hard on the front-line during this pandemic,” said Wayne Hanley, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1006A. “UFCW continues to call on Loblaw to do the right thing and recognize the contribution grocery workers make, and reinstate the pandemic pay permanently.”
Loblaw spokesperson Catherine Thomas defended the move. “After making the conscious decision to delay any dividend increase through the early part of the pandemic, Loblaw is now returning to its normal business practice,” she said.
