Loblaws advises the union that new measures will be taken to further protect employees in the company’s grocery stores.

As of Friday, March 20, stores will start controlling the flow and total number of customers going into the stores at any one time. 

 The formula for deciding how many customers to have in the store at any one time will be based on the size (square footage) of the store. The bigger the store, the more customers will be allowed in. 

Stores with double entrances will close one of those entrances.

President Suzanne Hodge and Dan Goodman, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 247, have been in regular contact with retail employers, including Loblaws, since the COVID-19 crisis erupted.

“We remain very concerned for the well-being of our members in the stores,” says Suzanne Hodge, “and Loblaws introduction of crowd control and social distancing measures will help lessen the risk of exposure.”

“There are already a number of measures in place, including Cashiers using hand sanitizer after each customer transaction,” says Hodge, “and we are continuing to talk to the employers about steps they can take that protect our members.”

Secretary-Treasurer Dan Goodman added that, “Loblaws has said they expect to be taking further steps to protect members.”

“The company has indicated,” says Goodman, “that they are looking at ways to discourage ‘cash back’ transactions and the handling of cash at the tills.”

“The company also says they are doing an extensive search of products they could source to assist and protect employees,” he says.

Union members are advised to continue checking the union’s website at ufcw247.com for updates and information.