Job action for the approximately 900 UFCW members with the Saskatoon Co-op began officially just after midnight today (Thurs) affecting Co-op grocery stores, gas stations, Agro centres, home centres and liquor stores.
Saskatoon Co-op CEO, Grant Wicks, says most of the locations are open through the strike but some hours may be shortened.
Pharmacies will continue to fill prescriptions and offer essential services.
Negotiations Director for the union, Rod Gillies, says the main sticking point is a two-tier wage, which would see new employees receiving less and never being able to reach the same wages as the primary tiers, which leads to a less productive workplace.
Wicks says the two-tiered system was introduced because the current wages are as much as 25 to 35 per cent higher than their competitors and they need long term sustainability.
Gillies says he understands the need for sustainability, but doesn’t think it should be done on the backs of employees.
Both sides are back at the bargaining table tomorrow (Fri).