'Been through hell': Alta. Cargill workers reject company's latest offer, strike action possible Dec. 6
The union representing workers at the Cargill meat-processing plant near High River, Alta. has overwhelmingly rejected the employer's contract offer and workers have voted to strike in early December.
In a release, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 says 98 per cent of members have voted in favour of job action if a deal is not reached by Dec. 6.
"These workers have been through hell. They want a fair deal and what Cargill has offered does not meet that threshold. Simply put, Cargill needs to do better," said union secretary treasurer Richelle Stewart.
There are an estimated 2,000 workers at plant, about half of whom contracted COVID-19 in the peak of the first wave in spring 2020. Two employees died, as well as the father of a worker.
CTV News has reached out to UFCW officials regarding the details of the latest offer and why it was rejected.
'WE'RE TIRED'
A Cargill employee approached CTV reporters on Thursday morning expressing anger and frustration with both the union and his employer for the handling of the pandemic, health and safety concerns, and contract negotiations.
"We’re tired. We’re tired of Cargill not listening to us, but we’re also tired of the union not listening to us," said Freddie Vasquez, who says he has been a cleaner at the facility for four years.
"We right now, should be outside picketing.”
Vazquez says the proposed pay raises and pandemic bonus is not adequate.
“(The company) kept saying that we are essential, and we appreciate you guys, thank you for feeding Canadian families. We kept hearing all of this during the pandemic, and then they decide to slap us in the face with $4.50?" he said.
"We are mad. People are willing to strike.”
Job action could affect supply and prices at grocery store meat counters as the site processes an estimated 35 per cent of Canada's meat supply.
Cargill issued a statement Thursday morning, calling the High River plant "one of the best workforces across Canada."
"And our proposal reflects their tremendous skill and dedication. Unfortunately, we have yet to reach an agreement," it read. "We remain optimistic that we can reach an agreement before the (Dec. 6) deadline. We are willing to keep meeting to avoid any labour disruption which is in no one’s best interest during an already challenging time.
"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."
A potential December strike would also could come at a time when supply chain issues have already affected consumer prices.
This is a developing story. It will be updated throughout the day …
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.