Warehouse Strike Impacts Montreal Grocery Store Shelves

A labor dispute involving Metro Inc., one of the largest grocery retailers in Quebec, has led to an indefinite strike that is impacting the availability of fresh produce across the province. The strike began at 9 a.m. On March 30, 2026, affecting workers at the company’s head office and its sole fruit and vegetable distribution center in Laval.

The disruption is primarily affecting stores within the Metro Inc. Group, which includes Metro, Super C, and Marché Richelieu. Approximately 300 stores across Quebec could be affected by the supply chain interruptions. By April 3, 2026, reports indicated that store shelves in Montreal were beginning to show the impact, specifically regarding fruits, and vegetables.

Scope of the Labor Action

According to the union, approximately 550 workers tied to the supply chain are participating in the strike. This includes employees at the Laval distribution center, which serves as the only produce hub for the grocery chain within Quebec. The action also extends to warehouse, transport, and office personnel.

The strike followed the breakdown of negotiations earlier in the week of March 30, 2026. Metro Inc. Stated on April 3, 2026, that while negotiations had failed, the company remains open to further talks. The company has also indicated that contingency plans have been implemented in an effort to maintain the supply of goods to its stores.

Core Demands and Points of Contention

The dispute is largely centered on wages and working conditions. Unionized workers contend that their pay has not kept pace with inflation since the signing of their previous contract, which occurred before the pandemic.

The union is seeking a 20 per cent wage increase in the first year of a new agreement. In contrast, the union reports that the offer made by Metro amounts to an 11 per cent increase spread over six years. The union further claims that under the company’s offer, lower-level employees who have not reached the top of their pay scale would see an increase of only one per cent per year.

Beyond wages, the workers are seeking resolutions on several other operational and security issues, including:

• Protections for remote work at the company’s head office.
• Job security measures.
• Issues regarding subcontracting in transportation.

Impact on Regional Supply

Because the Laval facility is the only produce center for Metro Inc. In Quebec, the strike creates a significant bottleneck for the distribution of fresh food. The impact has been most visible in the fruit and vegetable sections of stores in Montreal and throughout the province.

The strike’s duration remains indefinite, as both parties attempt to navigate the disagreement over the six-year contract terms and the immediate needs of the workforce regarding inflation-adjusted pay.