The ongoing strike at Metro’s Laval distribution center is causing significant fruit and vegetable shortages at Super C stores. As tensions rise between workers and management, customers are expressing their frustrations over empty shelves.
Strike Details and Impact on Super C
Last week, around 550 workers from the Laval distribution center and the head office, along with transport drivers from Mérite 1 in Rivière-des-Prairies, initiated a strike. During a union assembly on Thursday, these workers rejected a proposed salary increase of 11% over six years. They argue that this translates to just 1% annual growth for the lowest-paid employees.
Matthieu Lafontaine, president of the Metro-Richelieu-CSN union, noted that “people are angry.” The union emphasizes that factors like inflation and subcontracting of transportation services are significantly affecting their negotiations.
Financial Context
Serge Monette, vice-president of the Federation du commerce-CSN, highlighted the stark contrast between rising profits and stagnant wages. He stated, “In six years, revenue rose by 28%, profits surged by 39%, and dividends to shareholders increased by 56%, while employee salaries only increased by 11%.”
This discontent has been exacerbated by reports indicating that Éric La Flèche, CEO of Metro, saw his compensation rise to $6.8 million in 2025, which included an $700,000 increase, amid a 5% rise in grocery prices.
Shortages Affecting Customers
Shoppers at various Super C locations are noticing the impact of the strike. At the Super C on boulevard Cousineau in Longueuil, customers reported bare shelves and signs indicating product unavailability. Similar scenes unfolded at the Super C at Place Désormeaux, where shoppers searched in vain for bananas.
Company Response
Marie-Claude Bacon, Metro’s vice-president of communications, expressed surprise over the union’s public comments. She reassured customers that a contingency plan is in place. “It may take a matter of days for fruits and vegetables to return to normal availability,” she said.
- Striking Workers: 550 from Laval distribution center and Mérite 1.
- Proposed Salary Increase: 11% over six years.
- Reported CEO Compensation: $6.8 million in 2025.
- Inflation Impact: Grocery prices up by 5%.
- Customer Complaints: Empty shelves, particularly for bananas.
As the strike continues, the situation at Super C raises concerns regarding supply chain disruptions and employee relations that may further affect product availability.
