Essential employees at
With the coronavirus a part of Canadians' lives for more than three months, Loblaw's stores and distribution centres "have settled into a good rhythm," wrote
"With this stability and economies re-opening, we have decided the time is right to transition out of our temporary pay premium."
The move was retroactive to
Metro, which also started paying a
"It is because of their dedication that we were able to meet the needs of our customers while ensuring their safety and well-being," she said.
"UFCW Canada acknowledges that premium pay was introduced as part of the COVID-19 response, but the union also expressed that premium pay should be maintained throughout the pandemic."
"The pandemic is not over. The danger has not passed. Theseworkers are no less at risk and are no less essential today than they were yesterday,"
"There is no justification for ending pandemic pay now, or ever."
Dias noted Loblaw "rightly" continues to enforce social distancing measures at its stores, so it "knows the risk is not over. It's just trying to boost profits on the backs of its most vulnerable workers."
The union released its statement prior to Metro's announcement, but the union's spokesperson
Both Loblaw and Metro have been on the receiving end of praise for their pay increases, with labour advocates saying it was a progressive move to recognize the value of essential workers, who continued to work in grocery stores under a heightened potential of exposure to the virus.
Weston sent an email to Loblaw customers on Thursday explaining that situations in its grocery stores had stabilized and that he believed it was "the right time to end" the pay premium.
"We are confident our colleagues are operating safely and effectively in a new normal," he wrote.
Loblaw plans to dole out one-time bonuses totalling
She said it will be paid to staff who worked shifts from
Metro will also pay its full-time employees an additional
Loblaw and Metro did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the unions' reactions.
This report by
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