Workers at new No Frills in Brampton given an ultimatum to stay on after Superstore changeover

Workers at a newly-opened No Frills in Brampton are speaking out after they say staff members were forced to take a pay cut or walk away from their jobs.

The Real Canadian Superstore at Hurontario St. and Steeles Ave. was changed over to a No Frills grocery store earlier this month, and staff say the switch left workers with no choice to either take a buyout and level the company, or a pay cut in the form of a “buydown.”

Workers at Adil’s No Frills have told Insauga.com that many staff members left before the changeover and those who remained were faced with new positions or a move to a different store, a decrease in pay, and reduced benefits.

“Resulting from the store closure, you will have a decision to make,” reads a document from No Frills’ and Superstore’s parent company Loblaw Companies Ltd obtained by Insauga.com.

That decision came down to a “buyout” lump sum that would see them exited from the company, or a “buydown” payment as compensation for a lower rate of pay. The letter goes on to outline the options, with Loblaws providing two weeks’ salary for every year with the company in the buydown and four weeks’ pay for the buyout.

Workers say they have been left in limbo since the change and that the old managers and some staff were sent to different stores with no guaranteed positions, while other part-time workers under United Food & Commercial Workers 175 have stayed on.

Insauag.com has chosen not to disclose the identity of whistleblowers, as workers are concerned that speaking out could get them fired.

In a statement, Loblaws said it is “committed to keeping our colleagues whole” by offering “a range of choices” including new positions, one-time payments, or roles in other stores that have “in the majority of cases, higher wages.”

But workers tell Insauga.com they’ve seen a decrease in pay, are concerned for their livelihoods, and fear losing their jobs.

“We understand that change isn’t easy for everyone and we’re working to ensure the process is good and fair, and fully in line with our union contracts, as is always the case,” the statement reads.

Multiple requests for comment from the union were not returned.

Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills are both owned by Loblaws, which has its headquarters in Brampton.