METRO Inc. (TSX: MRU) provided a business and bargaining update on June 25, 2026, regarding the ongoing strike by unionized employees at its produce distribution centre in Laval, as well as its transportation and head office operations. The strike, which began on March 30, 2026, has disrupted fresh produce supply to 300 stores in Quebec.
Business continuity and store replenishment
METRO implemented a contingency plan at the start of the strike to maintain produce availability in stores. After a few weeks of ramp-up, the plan stabilized, enabling consistent and reliable store replenishment. The company emphasized its commitment to serving customers through reliable access to fresh products.
Bargaining update and rejected offer
METRO remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement for the renewal of the collective agreement. After several weeks of negotiations with the assistance of a conciliation officer appointed by the Minister of Labour, METRO presented a global settlement offer to the union on June 11, 2026. The offer included significant increases, particularly in the first 12 months, in the context of already competitive wages and working conditions for comparable roles. On June 18, 2026, employees rejected the offer following the union's recommendation, and the union indicated it would present a counteroffer. The union presented its counteroffer on June 25, 2026. METRO reviewed the counteroffer and concluded that it does not provide a basis for a responsible and sustainable settlement, citing a significant gap on monetary issues.
Company statement on negotiations
“We are very disappointed that the union came back with an offer that in no way reflects the broader labour market or the competitive reality of our industry, especially after a 13–week strike. Our priorities are clear: serve our customers, support our operations and reach a negotiated agreement that is responsible and viable in the long-term,” said Marc Giroux, Chief Operating Officer. “We invite the union to work constructively toward a reasonable settlement that will bring an end to this strike and allow operations to resume in a stable and predictable environment for all.”
Financial impact of the strike
The strike has disrupted supply of fresh produce to METRO's 300 stores in Quebec, especially during the first weeks. For the first 14 weeks of the 16-week third quarter ending July 4, 2026, food same-store sales were down 1.5% compared to the corresponding weeks last year. Based on available information, METRO estimates that the combination of lower food sales, lost margins, and incremental costs related to the contingency plan will result in adjusted net earnings per share of approximately $1.22 to $1.27 for the third quarter, compared to $1.52 for the same quarter last year.
