Unifor is urging Canada’s largest grocery stores, owned by Empire, Loblaw and Metro, to prioritize the purchasing and promotion of made in Canada products in response to the Trump administration’s reckless trade war against Canadian workers.
In a letter to the CEOs of Empire, Loblaw and Metro, Unifor National President Lana Payne encouraged the grocers to make it easier for shoppers to identify made in Canada products on their shelves to support domestic industries and protect jobs.
“Canadian workers and their families are ready to defend against the Trump tariff threat and we need Canadian grocers to do their part,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These unfair tariffs are a direct attack on Canadian jobs. We are encouraging Empire, Loblaws and Metro to help their customers support Canadian workers and companies.”
The Trump administration’s ongoing threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian exports puts tens of thousands of jobs at risk across multiple sectors.
“It’s part of our union’s call to go beyond ‘Buy Canadian,’ we need to ‘Make Canadian’ and create good union jobs at the same time” added Payne.
Unifor is urging the grocery retailers to:
Prioritize Canadian suppliers, ensure all private label brands are domestically produced and, where possible, source alternative suppliers for U.S. goods.
Clearly identify made in Canada goods with distinct signage, including shelf tags, stickers, prominent shelf placement, end of aisle displays, along with flyer and sales promotion to help consumers make informed choices.
Read Unifor’s letter to Empire CEO Michael Medline, Loblaw CEO Per Bank and Metro CEO Eric La Flèche here.
Unifor represents more than 11,000 grocery store workers at Canada’s grocery chains and represents thousands more who support the country’s food supply, including those in processing, warehouses, and distribution.
As Canada faces ongoing threats from the U.S., the union has launched it’s Protect Canadian Jobs campaign. Read Unifor’s recommendations to protect jobs and shore up the economy here.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
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Note: Watch in the coming days for more on supporting products made in Canada by Unifor members.
And more from Unifor:
Unifor pushes to protect jobs as new tariff deadline is set
Unifor is calling on Canadians to stay united and remain on guard following the delay of tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. by 30-days.
“The tariffs may be paused but the union’s work to protect our members’ jobs has not,” said National President Lana Payne. “The ongoing tariff threat alone is designed to redirect investment, which will hurt jobs in Canada whether tariffs come into effect or not.”
On the eve of the February 4 implementation of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on energy exported to the U.S., the Canadian government negotiated a 30 day pause with a new potential tariff date of March 4, 2025. Canadian federal and provincial governments have also paused targeted counter-tariffs while negotiations continue.
Following the original tariff announcement, Unifor called for Canada to hit back hard and fast as everyday Canadians expressed outrage with a groundswell of patriotic support and a movement to buy Canadian.
“Canadian unity and a forceful, coordinated response propelled this initial tariff assault but we must continue to use our considerable leverage to fight back and work shoulder-to-shoulder to build a more resilient Canadian economy for the future,” added Payne.
In response to the brewing trade war, Unifor launched its Protect Canadian Jobs campaign, which includes the union’s recommendations to defend and grow jobs and boost the economy. Visit here for the latest information and to sign up for member updates.
Unifor is actively working nationwide to ensure that workers’ needs are front and centre with National President Lana Payne serving as a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, as Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray fights for jobs on Premier Furey’s Newfoundland and Labrador Trade Roundtable and Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle takes workers’ concerns to three government taskforces: the Manitoba U.S. Trade Council, the B.C. Trade and Economic Security Taskforce, and the B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier expressed the union’s deep disappointment with statements made by Premier Legault during an emergency debate on the impact of American tariffs, with Cloutier accusing the Premier of completely abandoning thousands of Quebec families.
As Ontarians prepare to go to the polls, Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi is encouraging members to engage with candidates to push for commitments to defend against potential U.S. actions and protect workers in trade-exposed sectors, including manufacturing, dairy, forestry, energy and mining, auto and IPS. Addressing the concerns of workers, Unifor’s Auto Council and Independent Parts Supplier Council united to issue a joint statementcommitting to fight to preserve factories and jobs.
Unifor also called for action to make it easier for Canadians to support each other, urging the CEO’s of the country’s largest grocery chains to prioritize domestic suppliers and take steps to clearly identify and promote Made in Canada products in store.
“Unifor members join all Canadians in the battle to reclaim our economic independence. By uniting in actions great and small we will emerge from this crisis stronger, together,” said Payne.
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