A Food Basics store will soon take the place of a Metro grocery store located in Ottawa’s South Keys neighborhood, leading to the displacement of numerous employees. Metro Inc. announced the closure of the store, stating that the transition to a Food Basics will cater better to the needs of customers in the area.
The decision to convert the Southgate Metro to a discount banner came as a surprise to the employees, including long-time worker Justin Braganza. Braganza, who has been with the store for over three decades and is also a volunteer steward with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, recounted how they were informed about the closure due to financial pressures, such as increasing rent and profitability concerns.
Despite inquiries about the impact of rent costs on the decision, Metro emphasized that the change was driven by local market dynamics and customer demands. The Southgate Metro employed 72 individuals, who, according to the company’s collective agreement, do not have the option to transfer to other Metro locations. However, those interested can apply for positions at the new Food Basics store, where a minimum number of former Southgate Metro employees will be hired based on their seniority and wage considerations.
While the union representing Southgate Metro workers negotiated enhanced options for its members, including job opportunities at the new Food Basics store, some employees like Braganza expressed dismay over the lack of suitable positions at the new establishment. Concerns were raised about job security, especially for workers with precarious immigration statuses.
The situation has sparked disappointment among some Metro customers, who feel that the company’s decision is disrespectful to its long-serving employees. Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, raising questions about the potential implications of the closure and the company’s obligations to its workforce. Despite the challenges faced by the affected employees, efforts are being made to address their concerns and explore possible resolutions between the union and the employer.
As the affected employees come to terms with the impending closure, Braganza highlighted the sense of loss felt among the Metro “family,” emphasizing the emotional toll of parting ways with colleagues and customers after years of shared experiences.