Metro closing Ottawa distribution centre, 41 employees affected

What’s happening at Metro?

Metro is shuttering its produce distribution centre in Ottawa — affecting approximately 41 employees.

In a statement to CTV News, the grocery giant said it plans to close the facility on Old Innes Road on May 11.

“Since 2017, Metro has invested nearly $1 billion in the modernization of our distribution network in both Ontario and Quebec,” spokesperson Stephanie Bonk told the news outlet.

“During this time, the Ottawa produce distribution centre has been critical to the success of the project by taking on temporary produce volumes while construction was completed.”

Bonk added that Metro is offering available positions at its grocery distribution centre in Ottawa to as many affected workers as possible.

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Store closure amid major layoffs

Metro’s decision to close its produce distribution centre in Ottawa comes amid a flurry of layoffs in 2024.

Big names, including IBM, Electronic Arts, Rivian, Sony, Vice Media, BuzzFeed, Nike, Cisco, Catalent, BlackBerry, PayPal, UPS, and Microsoft, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Shell to lay off 20% of deals division, part of restructuring
• Walmart Canada cuts jobs amid restructuring, shift to Spark: Reports
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Termination agreements for Metro employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Metro are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

People working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what rights employees have if they are being fired or let go on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Before accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should seek legal counsel.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Rights to severance for provincially regulated employees
• Severance packages during mass layoffs
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.