Hudson’s Bay workers denied commission pay during liquidation sales [Video]

Hudson’s Bay Co. has stopped paying commission to hundreds of cosmeticians and fragrance advisers during liquidation sales, effectively reducing their salaries.

These workers, also known as beauty advisers, earn commission on products sold, on top of their base salary.

Hudson’s Bay notified the beauty advisers 12 days in advance that, starting on April 20, they would only receive base pay, according to a company-issued letter seen by CBC News.

“Please note that this is a decision we have not taken lightly,” the retailer stated in the letter.

Unifor, the union that represents dozens of beauty advisers in Ontario, has filed a grievance against Hudson’s Bay, arguing that the commission cut violates its members’ collective agreement.

“This company is treating liquidation like a free-for-all where contracts and basic decency no longer apply,” Unifor’s Ontario regional director, Samia Hashi, said in a statement. “Workers are being kept in the dark and their pay is …