A strike would come as prices of red meat approach record highs in North America amid supply chain disruptions
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Unionized workers at Cargill’s High River have voted overwhelmingly against the company’s latest contract offer, putting them in a position to strike as early as Dec. 6.
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UFCW Local 401 said 98 per cent of its workers at the meat-packing plant rejected the offer Wednesday. The near-unanimous rejection shows the need for the employer to rebuild trust in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, said UFCW Local 401 president Thomas Hesse.
“Ultimately, it’s counterintuitive for any worker to want to stand on the street, withdraw their labour, take on all the risks associated with that. That is provoked,” Hesse told Postmedia.
“Cargill has made some overtures and has reached out, and I believe bargaining sessions will galvanize between now and Dec. 6 . . . (But) the workers get to decide. If there is an offer of substantial improvement, the workers will get to reflect on that and vote on that as well, maybe before there’s a strike.”
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Hesse said he believes the workers have public sympathy during the dispute, raising the possibility of a beef boycott if workers go on strike.
In an emailed statement, Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan said the company is optimistic an agreement can be reached before the Dec. 6 deadline. He said the company’s proposal reflects the “tremendous skill and dedication” of plant workers.
“We are willing to keep meeting to avoid any labour disruption, which is in no one’s best interest during an already challenging time,” Sullivan said.
“While we navigate this negotiation, we continue to focus on fulfilling food manufacturer, retail and food service customer orders while keeping markets moving for farmers and ranchers. If necessary, we will shift production to other facilities within our broad supply chain footprint to minimize any disruptions.”
Cargill’s High River plant was the site of one of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks in Canada in the spring of 2020. Three deaths were linked to that outbreak, and almost half of the plant’s workers tested positive for the virus.
Hesse said safety and compensation are issues for workers, but said bargaining to date has largely been driven by emotion and conversations around trust.
Twitter: @jasonfherring
Cargill High River workers could strike after 98 per cent reject contract offer - Calgary Herald
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