Cargill optimistic it can avoid job action as meat plant workers vote 97% in favour of strike

Considered one of Canada’s largest beef processing crops is optimistic it is going to attain an settlement with the union representing its staff in Excessive River, Alta.

The United Meals and Industrial Staff Native 401 has served strike discover to Cargill, the corporate that operates the ability south of Calgary.

The union says 97 per cent of staff who voted assist occurring strike if a deal isn’t reached by Dec. 6.

In a information launch, UFCW Native 401 president Thomas Hesse stated staff need respect, recognition, a secure office, and truthful compensation and won’t solely strike, but additionally name for a beef boycott if their calls for aren’t met.

“There could also be picketing and leafleting in entrance of different workplaces in the event that they promote Cargill merchandise. Albertans could even be confronted by picketing Cargill staff as they method the drive-thru at McDonald’s.”

2:52
COVID-19 triggers requires meat provide chain overhaul

Cargill spokesman Dan Sullivan hopes it doesn’t come to that.

In a written assertion, he stated, “We enormously worth our staff and the work they do to feed Canadians. Over the past two days, our firm and the union representing staff at our Excessive River protein facility have exchanged a number of complete proposals that included elevated wages properly past the business normal, enhanced worker advantages and money bonuses for energetic staff.”

Within the meantime, the corporate says it’s placing contingency plans in place in case of a provide disruption.

“We’re in communication with our cattle suppliers about contingency plans ought to they be crucial. As we navigate this negotiation, we are going to proceed to give attention to fulfilling meals producer, retail and meals service buyer orders. We’ll shift manufacturing to different amenities inside our broad provide chain footprint to attenuate disruptions to our product supply if crucial.”

The Excessive River plant processes about 4,500 head of cattle a day — greater than one-third of Canada’s beef-packing capability.