While the union didn't agree with the closure of Metro at the Porcupine Mall, it welcomes the decision to open a new grocery store.
It was recently announced that Food Basics is opening at the Porcupine Mall in late 2021.
“The announcement of a new Food Basics is a welcome one and a testament to the strength and unity of the Porcupine community” said Shawn Haggerty, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 175 president. “The union disagreed with the employer’s decision to close and we are pleased that the residents of Porcupine will once again have a source to purchase groceries in their own community.”
Metro was closed in August 2019. The closure affected 42 employees at the store who were represented by UFCW Local 175.
"Metro continued to own the facility resulting in the lack of a grocery store operating in the community," notes the news release.
Giant Tiger, which is also in the mall, has since expanded its grocery section. In South Porcupine, the Urban Farm also offers a variety of locally-grown food.
In September 2020, a group talked to council about the need for a full-service grocery store at the mall. The union says it also advocated on behalf of its members to reopen a store at the Porcupine location.
In addition to the announcement that Food Basics will be opening, the company is donating $2,500 to the South Porcupine Food Bank.
