Anger and sadness: Unifor hosts solidarity rally for remaining workers at Windsor Hudson’s Bay

Hudson’s Bay workers from present and past joined to rally on Tuesday as the store prepares to close. CTV Windsor’s Michelle Maluske has more.

Unifor hosted a solidarity rally for remaining workers at the Windsor Hudson’s Bay store on Tuesday.

The location at Devonshire Mall will close at the end of the day Saturday May 31, according to Unifor Local 240 president Jodi Nesbitt.

Nesbitt says four workers will stay on to finish the cleanup of the two-storey location.

A total of 59 people will have lost their jobs when the Windsor location closes for good, some have as much as 30 years experience according to Nesbitt.

The merchandise is now consolidated onto the main floor of the store with sale prices up to 90 per cent off.

An employee who did not wish to be identified told CTV News Tuesday “it’s devastating” to have to work on clearing the merchandise and closing the store.

Hudson’s Bay retirees attended a rally Tuesday in the store parking lot.

“It’s very sad,” retiree Cathy Chappus said. “We worked hard, we had a lot of fun, we did a lot of great things together, a place where we made a lifetime of memories.”

“We put everything we had into this company and they’re (current workers) getting nothing back,” retiree Debbie MacDonell said through tears.

CTV News has previously reported Hudson’s Bay workers will not be getting severance packages.

The company stated it is seeking the WEPPA (Wage Earner Protection Program Act) declaration to assist the terminated employees. It would allow workers to collect certain eligible wages, including termination and severance pay, salaries, commissions and vacation.

Unifor leaders in Windsor Tuesday said that would only amount to a maximum of $8,800 regardless of how much a worker is owed.

They’re calling on the federal government to prioritize workers before creditors when companies go bankrupt.

“Our members are really devastated. There’s a lot of high tenure that still work here that are feeling you know a lot of loss, a lot of nostalgia while they’re finishing up their work,” Nesbitt said.

“Hudson’s Bay is an icon in our communities across Canada. So, the fact it will no longer be here is quite sad.”