YIG members in Central & Northern Ontario vote 99% in favour of strike mandate

Back to Blog

October 22, 2021

Members working at Your Independent Grocer (YIG) stores in Central & Northern Ontario vote 99% in favour of a strike mandate

Members at Your Independent Grocer (YIG) stores Central Northern Ontario give strike mandateFollowing four days of negotiations in September and October, members working at Your Independent Grocer (YIG) stores in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Sudbury, and Hanmer, have given their Union Negotiating Committee a strong strike mandate of 99%.

It was clear to the Committee from the beginning, that the employer just wasn’t taking the Members’ proposals seriously. This trend during bargaining sessions led the committee to go to the membership and take the strike vote. Those votes took places in person and virtually on October 18 and 19, 2021.

The current collective agreement, which covers approximately 788 members at five stores, expired on August 3, 2021.

The next day of bargaining will take place in conciliation on a date to be announced.

The Members of the Union Negotiating Committee, listed below, thank the Members for their ongoing support through this process.

Union Negotiating Committee:

  • Paul Brown (Terry’s YIG, Gravenhurst),
  • Paula Castilloux (Paquette’s YIG, Hanmer),
  • Lorne Romanko (Rehan’s YIG, Sudbury),
  • Mike McGuire (Chris’ YIG, Sudbury),
  • Brenda Oldfield (Gagnon’s YIG, Bracebridge),
  • Union Representative Derek Jokhu, and;
  • Directors Sandra Ashcroft and Chris Fuller (Chief Negotiator).

Members who have questions should contact their Union Representative directly or send an email to membership@ufcw175.com so we can put you in touch with your Rep.


Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.

Did you know you can find us on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter?

Share