The fate of Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) employees hangs in the balance as the company moves to restructure under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). With the historic retailer’s future uncertain, Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, is demanding firm commitments to safeguard the wages, benefits, and collective bargaining rights of its members.
A Difficult Road Ahead for HBC Employees
The news of HBC’s credit protection filing on March 7, 2025, has left its workforce in a state of uncertainty. With 320 Unifor members employed across HBC’s Windsor, Kitchener, and Toronto Sherwood Gardens stores, as well as its Toronto e-commerce warehouse, the union is calling on the company to uphold its obligations despite financial turmoil.
“Friday’s news left HBC employees reeling with the uncertainty of what’s to come and anticipating the worst. Through what’s sure to be a difficult period, HBC is still bound by its collective agreements, must deliver on wages and benefits, and communicate with workers and their union about what lays ahead,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Unifor Demands Accountability Amidst Financial Uncertainty
Unifor has been vocal about its concerns regarding HBC’s stability, citing a lack of reinvestment in retail operations as a major contributing factor to its financial struggles. In recent years, customers have voiced frustration over broken elevators, malfunctioning escalators, and ongoing HVAC issues at various store locations.
Despite the company pointing to external pressures—such as tariffs—as reasons for its downturn, Unifor insists that its members should not bear the brunt of mismanagement or economic uncertainty.
“While the company may be blaming tariffs, HBC workers have been concerned about the future of the company for some time. Unifor members remain committed to HBC’s continued operations and are entitled to the protections bargained in their contracts,” Payne continued.
Collective Agreements Must Be Honored
As HBC navigates the CCAA process, Unifor is stressing that all four existing contracts with HBC—set to expire in 2025—must be respected. The union is calling for transparency from company leadership regarding restructuring plans and ensuring that frontline workers are not left behind.
With Canada’s retail sector undergoing significant challenges, the outcome of HBC’s restructuring will set a precedent for the treatment of workers in times of corporate financial distress. Unifor has pledged to stand by its members, advocating for a resolution that prioritizes stability and fairness.
What’s Next for HBC Employees?
While the full impact of HBC’s financial restructuring remains to be seen, Unifor is clear in its demands:
- Honoring Collective Agreements – HBC must fulfill its contractual obligations.
- Ensuring Wage & Benefit Protections – Employees should not suffer financial losses due to corporate restructuring.
- Transparent Communication – The company must provide clear updates on next steps for its workforce.
As Canada’s retail landscape continues to shift, all eyes are on Hudson’s Bay Company and how it chooses to handle this critical moment. The company’s next moves will determine not just its survival, but the livelihoods of hundreds of workers who have been the backbone of this storied brand.
For continued updates on this developing story, stay tuned to CanadianJeweller.com.
