Alberta, B.C. Esso retailers seek compensation from Imperial Oil after sale to 7-Eleven

A group of Esso retailers in Alberta and B.C. are battling Imperial Oil for compensation after the company sold 148 of its stores to 7-Eleven earlier this year.

"What we are pushing for is Imperial Oil to sit down and negotiate an exit strategy, and compensation for us to recognize all of our hard work and our blood sweat and tears that we've put into this business," said Mike Hall, who has run the Evergreen Esso in southwest Calgary with his wife Ruthsince 2007.

The sale of the 148 stores came with a price tag of approximately $900 million, and 7-Elevenhas offered some of the retailers a job, but their salaries would be cut by up to 60 per cent. They also won't allow families to work together.

A spokesperson for Imperial Oil told CBC News thecompany cannot discuss the terms of its agreement with 7-Eleven Canada.

"As we have said, we continue to fulfilour commitments to retailers, as we have through the duration of our contractual relationship," said KilleenKelly.

Officials with7-Elevendid not respond to a request for comment.

'Kicked us to the curb'

The Halls said they will be out of work because of the new arrangement.

"They've just kind of kicked us to the curb,it doesn't matter that we've built up their business, we're the reason why they got that big money for their businesses," said Ruth.

The Halls and dozens of other retailers have now banded together to seek some type of compensation.

Their lawyer, Geoffrey Howard, said he's disappointed the federal government approved thedeal without ensuring Esso takes care of its franchisees.

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