A strike at a key warehouse for one of Quebec’s largest grocers is starting to affect store shelves in Montreal.
The strike, which began earlier this week after talks broke down, has raised concerns about delays in getting fresh food to stores.
Here’s what to know.
Which stores and what food are affected?
Stores among the Metro Inc. group include Metro, Super C and Marché Richelieu, all with stores in Montreal and across Quebec.
Items affected are mainly fruits and vegetables in recent days.
In total, about 300 stores across the province could be affected at some point.
Who’s on strike?
About 550 workers tied to Metro Inc.’s supply chain are on strike, according to the union.
The striking workers include employees at Metro’s Laval fruit and vegetable distribution centre. This is the grocery chain’s only produce centre in Quebec.
Why are workers on strike?
The dispute largely centres on wages and working conditions.
Unionized workers say their pay has not kept pace with inflation since their last contract was signed before the pandemic.
They are seeking a 20 per cent increase in the first year of a new deal.
But according to the union, Metro’s wage offer amounts to an 11 per cent increase over six years.
That means, it says, lower-level employees who have not yet reached the top of their pay scale would only be entitled to a one per cent increase per year.
Other issues include subcontracting in transportation, job security and protections for remote work at the company’s head office.
What is the company saying?
Metro said Friday negotiations broke down earlier this week.
The company says it remains open to talks and has put contingency plans in place to maintain supply.
It acknowledged the first few days of the strike may lead to “temporary variations” in certain fresh products, but said the situation is already improving and should stabilize quickly.
How widespread are the shortages?
Reports of shortages have surfaced across multiple Montreal locations, though the effect appears uneven.
The company says it has secured alternative supply routes, limiting broader disruption.
Still, reliance on a single distribution centre for produce means even short-term interruptions can create visible gaps on shelves.
How long could this last?
That depends on whether negotiations resume.
Workers have signalled they are prepared to continue striking for a better deal. The company says it is ready to return to the bargaining table when “realistic discussions” are possible.
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