A local business owner fears there is a risk that Loblaw may choose to pull out of Newfoundland and Labrador rather than yield to the demands of its workers.
Terry Hussey of Vigilant Management has been raising questions about corporations paying their fair share compared to local businesses.
Hussey admits it’s tough for governments, many of which —including Newfoundland and Labrador— are reluctant to discourage big business from setting up in their jurisdiction.
Still, Hussey indicates, governments have to act for the greater good, he cites the labour dispute at Dominion as one example.
He believes there’s a real chance that Loblaw will threaten to pull out of Newfoundland and Labrador rather than pay higher wages which might have a ripple effect among their workers across the country.
Hussey says if that’s allowed to happen then the government is sending a signal to big business that that’s okay.
Meanwhile, Striking Dominion workers are declaring victory after a court injunction said they can continue to set up picket lines at almost 50 Loblaw-run locations except one. The lone exception is the main warehouse and distribution centre in Donovan’s Industrial Park.
But the judge said dozens of other stores, including 30 Shoppers Drug Marts and No Frills stores, are fair game.
Unifor spokesman Chris MacDonald says the warehouse issue is moot. He says it would be a hindrance if strikers wanted to continue picketing at the warehouse but they’ve moved on to other locations.