“Back to Best” Plan Seriously Violates
Collective Agreement


President Kevin Corporan’s phone message of August 7, 2008

Loblaws management is creating 79 new Full Time positions in its 16 “Back to Best” stores. Part Time employees are being encouraged to post for these positions, which are intended to provide more staff during the busiest store times. It is hoped that customers will favourably respond to the higher level of service.

 The problem – and it’s a big one – is that management is requiring applicants to sign away key collective agreement rights in return for these positions.

  • Special Comment by
    President Kevin Corporon on Loblaws’ rejection of
    “fair exchange.”
     

    Q & A
    If you want a Back to Best Full Time job, click here for more info.
    You must volunteer to work Sundays and evenings and be paid straight time, even if you were on the payroll prior to the last settlement (October 15, 2006.) This is a clear violation of Article 3.02 (b) of the collective agreement.
  • You will NOT be put on the Full Time seniority list. You will continue to accumulate only Part-Time seniority. This is a violation of our Collective Agreement seniority rights.
  • In the event your store is closed or converted, your buyout or buyover payments under Letter of Understanding #38 would be based on the Part-Time amounts, not the Full Time amounts.

The union has filed a Policy Grievance demanding that the company cease violating the Collective Agreement. We are expediting the arbitration process but a resolution is still several months away. In the meantime…

What you should do if you want a Full Time job

If you fall into one of the following categories, go to the Questions & Answers page.
  • You would like to apply for one or more of these Back to Best Full Time jobs and you are willing and able to meet the company’s conditions until the union’s grievance is resolved.
  • You would like to apply for one or more of these Back to Best Full Time jobs BUT you may not be able to always meet the company’s conditions.
  • You have recall rights to a Full Time position you previously held.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, consult your Steward or your Union Staff Representative.