A union representing more than 70,000 Ontario workers is urging employers to address workplace harassment and violence as the holiday season brings increased pressures on frontline employees.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 said workers in retail, warehouse, and food sectors face growing workloads, staffing shortages, and rising incidents of harassment during the busy shopping period.
“This time of year brings added pressure and expectations to working people, especially those on the frontlines dealing with customers and clients,” said Kelly Tosato, president of UFCW Local 175. “These workers are often doing their jobs under the pressure of growing workloads, staffing shortages, unpredictable schedules, new technologies, and the threat of rising incidents of harassment and violence on the job.”
Multiple sectors affected
The union represents workers across retail, grocery, warehouse, food production, manufacturing, meat processing, hospitality, and healthcare sectors throughout Ontario.
Tosato said frontline workers should not be blamed for operational issues beyond their control. “Workers are not to blame for supply chain delays, price increases, or a lack of staff,” she said. “They show up every day to serve their customers and communities, and they deserve to do so without fear, abuse, or burnout.”
The union called on employers to maintain proper staffing levels and implement workplace safety measures during the holiday period.
E-commerce workers face quota pressure
Warehouse, logistics, and e-commerce workers face intensified production demands as online orders surge during the holiday season, according to the union.
“As online orders surge, many of these workers are being pushed to meet unrealistic quotas and schedules,” Tosato said. “Technology and automation should be used to support workers, not to replace them or impose unsafe workloads.”
The union said all workers deserve proper staffing and safe work environments throughout the year, not only during peak seasonal periods.
Call for customer consideration
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 asked customers to show patience and kindness toward workers during holiday shopping.
“Everyone can do their part by showing patience, kindness, and gratitude to those working hard through the holidays – and all year round,” Tosato said.
The union emphasized that workers throughout the supply chain, from agricultural production to retail, enable holiday celebrations and gatherings.
“The holidays are meant to be a season of kindness and community,” Tosato said. “Let’s make sure that spirit extends to every frontline worker by ensuring they are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect in every workplace.”
