Zellers workers held rallies outside of two new Target locations in Calgary Saturday to protest their alleged mistreatment as the American retailer takes over.

"We're just asking for their support and making sure they're aware of what's happening to these employees of Zellers when Target comes into Canada," said Lou Craig, a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, while handing out an information leaflet to a Zellers customer.

The workers are concerned that Target won't respect longtime employee experience, service or loyalty when it comes to converting the existing retail locations from Zellers.

UFCW union officials says Target told the workers that they will have to re-apply for their same jobs in the same locations for starting pay and standards.

The protests were being held outside of the Forest Lawn and Signall Hill locations starting at noon.

Target did not return CBC's calls or emails asking for an interview request.

Target plans to open its doors early next year.