Canadian Tire workers in Ottawa vote to join UFCW Local 175 to improve working conditions
"These workers are looking for what many workers want when they join a union: better wages, better benefits, support, and respect,” said UFCW Local 175 President Kelly Tosato.
August 25, 2025
Retail workers at a Canadian Tire in Ottawa have voted to unionize. The approximately 75 employees at the store, which is located on Heron Road near Carleton University, are now members of Local 175 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW).
“These workers are looking for what many workers want when they join a union: better wages, better benefits, support, and respect,” said UFCW Local 175 President Kelly Tosato. “Having a voice in your working conditions is empowering and it can bring about life-changing improvements to a worker’s day-to-day life – and we’re here to help these workers build better lives for themselves through the power of collective bargaining and solidarity.”
Employees at the Canadian Tire store expressed a number of concerns that brought them to UFCW to unionize. From wages, benefits, and understaffing, to dispute resolution and disciplinary actions – these workers have felt unheard and disrespected for too long.
But now, with the vote behind them and with the support of the union, these members are optimistic and eager to move forward and begin the process of bargaining their first collective agreement so they can work toward securing meaningful improvements.
The vote took place over a 24-hour period beginning on August 21. And while the campaign tested the resolve and determination of the employees, they were ultimately successful with their vote and can now look forward to having the benefits of belonging to UFCW Local 175.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represent over 70,000 workers across Ontario in a wide range of sectors, including retail, industrial manufacturing, automotive parts, food and beverage production, and much more.
Media Inquiries:
Debora De Angelis, Director of Political Action & Member Engagement
UFCW Locals 175 & 633
media@ufcw175.com
416-559-9069
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