All Loblaws Stores Are Cutting The Pandemic Pay Increase For Workers Starting This Weekend

Extra pay is going away. Loblaws stores will no longer be giving employees the pandemic pay increase they were getting for working during this time. They'll go back to getting their usual wages as early as June 13, according to the union. 

As provinces continue with reopenings, even more changes are on the way.

So, stores under the Loblaws banner including Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaws, won't have that extra $2 per hour premium for workers anymore.

In an update sent to customers on June 11, Galen Weston, chairman and executive officer of the company explained why the pandemic pay for workers is ending.

"Things have now stabilized in our supermarkets and drug stores. After extending the premium multiple times, we are confident our colleagues are operating safely and effectively in a new normal," he said.

He also called it the right time to do this because the economy is reopening and Canadians are getting back to work.

According to a letter to staff obtained by the National Post, stores and distribution centres have settled into a rhythm which led to the cancelling of the extra wage premium.

It's been in place for 14 weeks to recognize the work being done during this health crisis.

While the company thinks the time is right, not everyone is in agreement.

The union representing grocery workers is not on board with the decision to scrap the wage increase across the country.

"The pandemic is not over. The danger has not passed. These workers are no less at risk and are no less essential today than they were yesterday," said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president, in a news release.

According to the union, the pay increase will be ending this weekend.

Unifor also noted that Loblaw said it will pay workers a one-time bonus in July based on the hours they work.

So, that would come out to $160 for someone who works a 40 hour week.

"Retail workers have always been essential, and they have always deserved much better," Dias said.

In his update to customers, Weston also noted that he's a strong believer in a progressive minimum wage and would support government-led efforts to put forward a living wage.

However, Unifor said that the company has opposed efforts to raise the minimum wage.