Workplace safety and respect top concerns in new UFCW member survey
Toronto – March 9, 2026 – UFCW Canada members take pride in serving their communities, but new survey data shows many workers continue to face unsafe conditions, toxic behaviour, and limited mental health support on the job.
While 70 per cent of members say they enjoy coming to work most of the time or always, citing teamwork, flexibility, work-life balance, fair pay, and supportive management, nearly one in three say they only occasionally or never enjoy going to work. Poor leadership, conflict with management, lack of teamwork, and insufficient pay and benefits were among the main reasons for dissatisfaction.
Workplace safety also remains a major concern. More than 40 per cent of respondents say they feel pressured to work in unsafe conditions at least half the time, including understaffing, outdated equipment, abusive customers, and excessive hours without proper breaks. More than three in ten members also identified harassment, discrimination, or workplace violence as serious issues.
The survey further highlights the mental health impacts of workplace mistreatment. Nearly one in five members reported experiencing intimidation or harassment in the past year, while many described facing customer abuse without meaningful support from management.
When asked about mental health resources, only 15 per cent rated workplace supports as great, while nearly four in ten said they were inadequate.
The findings show that while members remain proud of their work, stronger action is needed to ensure workplaces are safe, respectful, and supportive.
