Workers’ rights issues emerge in Canada

The United States isn’t the only country where workers’ rights are called into question by pro labor groups. North of the border, Target, which is expanding there for the first time, is facing criticism for its "anti-worker" policies from unions in both the United States and Canada.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, New York States largest grocery workers union, has met with leadership from the Canadian labor movement to discuss cross border strategies to combat Target Stores growing anti-worker policies, according to a press release issued by UFCW.

"The walmartization of Target is in full swing and is effecting workers, families and consumers throughout North America," said Kevin Shimmin, a National representative for UFCW Canada. " We are excited to work with UFCW Local 1500 and other labor leaders from the United States to make sure Target Stores is held accountable in both the court of public opinion and the legal courts for their actions."

UFCW takes paticular issue with Target's policies related to the conversion of Zellers stores. In a press statement, the union's Canada arm said it was opposed to Target's plans to have all jobs at the former Zellers stores filled by new hires, and that even long-time Zellers employees would need to reapply.

UFCW Canada has launched an all-out campaign that includes billboards, bus-stop ads and a websiteto paint Target as an unfair employer.