Lockout in Sears Canada Facility – Analyst Blog

Sears Canada Inc., a unit of Sears Holding Corporation (SHLD), recently locked out approximately 500 employees at its warehouse facility in Ontario, north of Toronto, after a series of negotiations relating to compensation and working conditions failed to yield any amicable result.

 

According to United Steelworkers union, disagreements over pensions, health care benefits and vacation entitlements led to the lockout of workers after the deadline for signing a new contract expired on March 31, 2010. Sears Canada locked out workers who were primarily in charge of loading and unloading merchandise on to trucks for delivery across the region.

 

Sears Canada had reportedly walked away from the bargaining table on March 23 and had refused to return to negotiate before announcing the lockout on April 1. Although the company spokesperson was unavailable for comment, the deadlock is likely to continue with the agitating workers deciding to remain on the picket line until negotiations are resumed.

 

Sears Canada offers a diverse array of shopping options, with extensive department and specialty stores, a comprehensive website and a broad range of home-related services. The company currently has a network of 197 corporate stores, 204 dealer stores, 35 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide network of home maintenance, repairing and installation services.