Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, is urging the country’s leading grocery retailers—Empire, Loblaw, and Metro—to prioritize the purchasing and promotion of Canadian-made products. This call to action comes as the Trump administration threatens to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian exports in March, a move that could jeopardize tens of thousands of jobs across multiple sectors.
In a letter addressed to Empire CEO Michael Medline, Loblaw CEO Per Bank, and Metro CEO Eric La Flèche, Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized the critical role grocery chains can play in supporting domestic industries. Payne urged these companies to make Canadian products more visible and accessible to consumers, helping to safeguard Canadian jobs during uncertain economic times.
Protecting Canadian Jobs Amid Tariff Threats
“Canadian workers and their families are ready to defend against the Trump tariff threat, and we need Canadian grocers to do their part,” said 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 looming tariffs from the U.S. administration threaten to disrupt key Canadian industries, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability. Unifor’s proactive stance reflects its broader mission to protect the livelihoods of its 320,000 members and advocate for policies that strengthen the Canadian economy.
Unifor’s Recommendations to Grocery Retailers
In its letter, Unifor outlined several measures for grocery retailers to adopt:
- Prioritize Canadian Suppliers: Ensure that private label brands are domestically produced and, where possible, replace U.S. suppliers with Canadian alternatives.
- Clear Identification of Canadian Goods: Use distinct signage, shelf tags, stickers, and end-of-aisle displays to highlight made-in-Canada products.
- Promote Canadian Products: Feature Canadian-made goods prominently in flyers, sales promotions, and in-store displays to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
By implementing these strategies, Unifor believes grocery chains can play a pivotal role in mitigating the economic impact of U.S. tariffs while fostering national pride and consumer loyalty.
A Broader Campaign to Protect Canadian Jobs
Unifor’s appeal to grocery retailers is part of its larger “Protect Canadian Jobs” campaign, which aims to counteract external economic threats and bolster the domestic workforce. The campaign encourages both consumers and businesses to support Canadian-made products, emphasizing the importance of creating and maintaining good union jobs.
“It’s part of our union’s call to go beyond ‘Buy Canadian,’” Payne added. “We need to ‘Make Canadian’ and create good union jobs at the same time.”
About Unifor
Founded in 2013 through the merger of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), Unifor represents over 320,000 workers across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation, media, health care, and retail.
Key Facts:
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
- President: Lana Payne (elected in 2022, first woman to hold the role)
- Membership: Over 320,000 members in more than 20 sectors
- Motto: “Stronger Together”
Unifor is known for its robust advocacy on issues such as workers’ rights, fair wages, gender equality, and social justice. The union actively participates in collective bargaining, political lobbying, and public campaigns to influence government policies related to labour laws and economic reforms.
