Canada Bread locks out workers in B.C. and Quebec

Canada Bread Company has locked out its bakers' union in Langley, B.C. and workers at its distribution centre in Laval, Que., following breakdowns in two separate contract talks.

In two different statements issued over the weekend, the Toronto-based company said it made the difficult decision to lockout workers after talks with both unions stalled on "matters of critical importance."

The Langley bakery employs 200 associates, 160 of whom are in the bargaining unit represented by BCTGM Local 468. The Laval distribution centre employs 120 associates, who are in the bargaining unit represented by the Syndicat des Travailleuses et Travailleurs de Distribution Multi-Marques – Laval - CSN

The company said the lockout in Laval would not affect deliveries to customers.

Canada Bread recently announced it was shutting down two of its Quebec facilities, though it encouraged workers to seek employment at its other operations within the province. Not long after, the company announced it had purchased Toronto's Stonemill Bakehouse for an undisclosed amount.

Canada Bread Company was purchased by Grupo Bimbo in 2014 and employs more than 4,200 associates in Canada and bakes bread at 18 manufacturing locations and 19 distribution centres across the country. It counts Dempster’s, Villaggio, POM, Bon Matin and Ben’s among its brands.