Zellers Workers united for respect at Target

Shoppers "shocked" to learn about Target's lack of respect for Zellers workers at Target pop-up event in Toronto

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Hundreds of shoppers at Target pop-up shop event featuring designer Jason Wu welcome information about the www.targetfairness.ca campaign, and many voice their support for Zellers workers in asking Target for fairness.

TORONTO - Many of the hundreds of Target enthusiasts who gathered in Toronto today for the retailer's pop-up shop promotion featuring designer Jason Wu were "shocked" to learn about Target's lack of respect for Zellers workers. After hearing that over 10,000 Zellers workers will lose their jobs once their stores are closed and converted to Targets, many of the shoppers said they would visit www.targetfairness.ca and support the Zellers workers in Asking Target for Fairness.

Members of the Ask Target for Fairness campaign joined the large event in downtown Toronto to have conversations with shoppers, journalists and curious passers-by about Target's plan for the Canadian retail market and how it will impact our neighbours at Zellers along with their families.

"We're here today because we want people to understand all aspects of Target's entry into Canada," says Kevin Shimmin, an anti-poverty activist and organizer for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada). As Canada's leading retail workers union, UFCW Canada represents Zellers workers at 15 locations in B.C., Ontario and Quebec.

"When we talk to people about this issue, they are quite shocked to learn about what's happening to the Zellers workers," adds Shimmin.

One shopper expressed her excitement about Target coming to Canada, but was quick to voice her surprise and displeasure after learning that all Zellers workers will lose their jobs once their stores close and Target won't commit to respecting their many years of loyal service and experience. "There should be plenty of jobs to go around," she said.

"It's not right," said another surprised shopper, who was eager to find out more about the Ask Target for Fairness campaign. "These are the Canadian people."

As part of the campaign for fairness, Zellers workers are calling on consumers to Ask Target for Fairness by sending a message to company CEO Gregg Steinhafel that calls on the retailer to respect the loyalty and experience of Zellers workers when converting their workplaces into Target locations.