Unifor has filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board alleging Walmart engaged in anti-union tactics, including a wage freeze for workers who unionized earlier this month. The union is accusing the retail giant of violating sections of the Canada Labour Code that prohibit punitive measures during union certification processes.
In a statement, Unifor National President Lana Payne said, “Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy.” She pointed to a rise in union activity at Walmart facilities across Canada as evidence that workers are seeking improved job security, wages, and working conditions.
The complaint, filed on Dec. 3, also alleges Walmart distributed anti-union materials, held meetings to discourage union membership, and encouraged workers to revoke their union affiliation. The alleged wage freeze came after workers at two Walmart facilities—warehouse workers in Mississauga and drivers in Surrey—joined the union in September and November, respectively.
Payne criticized recent wage increases for non-union Walmart employees as insufficient, calling them “a modest wage bump” and urging workers to consider unionization. “Experience worldwide shows that you cannot trust this company’s motives. Only a union contract can secure the future wage increases and job security you deserve,” she said.
Unifor says it is seeing a surge in interest from Walmart employees across Canada, with active organizing campaigns in multiple parts of the company’s supply chain. The union anticipates filing more applications to represent workers in the coming months.
Negotiations for a first collective agreement are underway for unionized workers in Mississauga and Surrey. Payne said the recent wage increases at non-union facilities would serve as a starting point for discussions. “Walmart’s non-union wage increases simply demonstrate where we ought to begin union wage talks,” she said.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada in various sectors and describes itself as an advocate for workers’ rights, equality, and social justice.