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By Victor Kaisar

Bay Liquidation

Steelworkers want workers to be prioritized as Hudson’s Bay liquidates Kamloops store

Mar 21, 2025 | 12:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — The union that represents Hudson’s Bay workers in Kamloops is calling on the company to be transparent through the liquidation process that is scheduled to get underway on Monday (March 24).

In a news release Friday (March 21), the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-417 said they want the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) to “put workers first” as the company proceeds to liquidate the store located at Aberdeen Mall.

USW Local 1-417 Financial Secretary Jordan Lawrence says the closure of the Kamloops store will result in the loss of over 30 unionized jobs, adding it will be “a significant blow” to workers as well as their families and the community.

“This news is absolutely devastating not only for our members but for the entire city of Kamloops and the surrounding area,” Lawrence said, noting the liquidation and the company’s ongoing financial struggles “are deeply concerning.”

“Hudson’s Bay has been a cornerstone of our community for over 45 years. Generations of families have shopped at this store and been served by our amazing members, who have taken great pride in their work,” he added.

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Representatives of Canada’s oldest company were in court this week to seek permission from an Ontario judge to liquidate all but six stores – three in Ontario and three in Quebec – starting Monday.

The company currently has 80 stores across Canada as well as three Saks Fifth Avenue locations and 13 Saks Off 5th shops it owns through a licensing agreement. While it did not say how deep the discounts will be at the stores that will be liquidated, it is promising to vacate all of those locations by June 30.

As part of the USW’s demands, Lawrence says USW wants Hudson’s Bay to honour all wages, benefits and severance requirements. They also want “immediate, clear communication” from HBC regarding things like employee pensions.

“Workers deserve clarity and fairness, not vague promises or backroom deals,” Lawrence added. “We’ve seen the devastating consequences for workers when companies like Sears shut down. Hudson’s Bay must protect the retirement security of its employees and ensure that pensions are there for its workers.”

Employees of the Hudson’s Bay store in Kamloops have been unionized since 1993. They were on strike for over five-months last year over better wages after they rejected an “insulting” a one per cent increase in January.

“HBC must ensure that frontline workers aren’t the ones left paying the price,” Lawrence said. “We stand ready to defend our members at the Kamloops store and will fight for their financial security every step of the way.”

Lawrence also said the Steelworkers are urging Hudson’s Bay to try and find a path forward to keep the Kamloops store open “for generations to come.”

“The USW remains committed to holding HBC accountable and urges the company to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure a fair and just process for all affected workers,” the union said, in a statement.

The Hudson’s Bay Company dates back to 1670 and in 2008 was bought by U.S. firm NRDC Equity Partners, which owned Saks Fifth Avenue. It was taken private in March 2020.

– With files from The Canadian Press