Stella’s, 116 Sherbrook Street (GOOGLE STREET VIEW)
WINNIPEG — Employees at Stella’s on Sherbrook voted to strike late Sunday, alleging their employer is “disrespectful.”
UFCW Local 832, the union representing the 39 members, says the strike isn’t over wages, but the “lack of respect that this employer shows to workers.”
“We have been in a constant battle with this employer since the Not My Stella’s campaign happened. A campaign that pointed out the worst of many problems this employer has,” said Jeff Traeger, president of UFCW Local 832.
The union has been attempting to get a deal for the workers at the Sherbrook Stella’s location since June. The union says during the process, the employer hasn’t taken negotiations seriously and has not come to the table with any proposals.
Talks between both sides broke down last Friday, September 18.
“This employer is one of the most disrespectful that UFCW 832 has ever dealt with. The strength and drive of these members continue to impress me,” Traeger added.
A picket line went up in front of the restaurant at 7 a.m. Monday.
Stella’s closed its Osborne Street location in May and will also close its airport location on October 16, citing a drop in revenue and customers due to COVID-19.
“Considering the challenging circumstances restaurants across our city find themselves in, which of course includes Stella’s Sherbrook, to accept the current UFCW proposal would be disastrous,” a spokesperson for Stella’s said.
“It would cause extreme economic harm to Stella’s, adversely affecting all staff, customers, and suppliers,” the statement went on to say.
“For the benefit of employees and the community, we hope that everyone can begin to pull in the same direction so that our business survives the current plight we find ourselves in.”
Stella’s said it made an offer to the union late Sunday to avoid a strike, but didn’t receive a response.
