REGINA — Viterra says it has a contingency plan in place should its unionized employees go on strike. It also suggested workers could be locked out if an agreement isn’t reached.
“We are committed to the collective bargaining process and remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to arrive at an agreement with the GSU,” said Jordan Jakubowski, vice-president of human resources.
Unionized workers at Viterra’s country operations and head office have issued 72-hour strike notice to the company and the federal labour minister.
The strike could begin as early as Jan. 5 at 2 p.m.
The Grain and General Services Union Locals 1 and 2 served notice after more than a year of what it called “tireless negotiations seeking fair wages, improved work-life balance and workplace respect.”
The workers rejected Viterra’s final offer Dec. 15 and talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow.
“This strike notice provides for time for the company to come back to negotiations and address members’ concerns,” said GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson.
“But members are not willing to give the company much longer. It is time for them to take bargaining seriously.”
The two locals include 436 employees across Saskatchewan and the Regina head office.
Viterra said it has a long history of working fairly and respectfully with its employees and is committed to providing competitive pay and benefits within a performance-based process.
In December, the GSU said key issues were reliable wage increases, work-family balance, health and safety, and greater respect in the workplace. It said the union had repeatedly tried to have meaningful dialogue with Viterra but the company would not move.
“With the Bunge acquisition of Viterra I thought Viterra would come to the bargaining table prepared to reach a deal. I’m surprised these negotiations are still dragging on,” said bargaining committee member Kaylee Yanoshewski.
“We’re asking for what is being seen in other recent contract settlements and we want language in our collective agreement that clearly states what we will be earning.”
Viterra said it would communicate any changes to operations or location hours if there is a labour disruption.
Some members of The Western Producer’s editorial staff belong to a different local of the Grain and General Services Union.
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