Greater than 1,400 unionized staff on the Excessive River Cargill meatpacking plant participated in a strike vote on Thursday.
The overwhelming majority voted in favour of strike motion.
After someday of mediation, the bargaining committee made the unanimous choice to ask the government-appointed mediator to depart the method so they may transfer ahead with taking a strike vote.
Richelle Stewart, UFCW Native 401’s secretary-treasurer, stated in a information launch that members had been bargaining to enhance the working situations on the plant. The central Alberta location had the most important COVID-19 outbreak final spring the place near 1,000 staff examined constructive and three folks died.
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Union spokesman Scott Payne says staff are “offended and annoyed” and really feel as if “they’re not being revered” by the corporate as the most recent mediation had modifications to staff’ advantages that will price staff extra money in the long run.
In response to a information launch, the union is asking to:
- enhance staff’ advantages
- transfer staff who’re given new jobs shortly
- tackle COVID-related well being and security issues
- supply affordable wage will increase
“Both they get their stuff collectively, and so they put a good supply in entrance of their staff to think about or they’re going to be confronted with a strike very shortly right here,” Payne added.
When requested for touch upon the potential for a strike on the plant, Cargill informed International Information: “As an employer who leads with our worth to place folks first, it should at all times be our objective to be a supportive employer and key company companion to the Excessive River group. We’re partaking in common discussions with the union and are scheduled to satisfy once more on Nov. 9 and 10. We stay optimistic that we will come to the desk and attain an settlement.”
The Excessive River plant processes about 4,500 head of cattle a day — greater than one-third of Canada’s beef-packing capability.
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