Approximately 1,000 workers have commenced a strike at the Dunlop, Guelph, Ont. beef packing plant. Workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union rejected a negotiated settlement by an 82 percent margin resulting in a strike commencing May 27th.
Kelly Tosato president of UFCW Local 175 stated, “The decision to go on strike is never easy, but members are not satisfied with what the Company has brough to the table.” The Union has called for an increase in wage rates because of higher costs of living and a decrease in income following termination of supplements provided during and after the COVID pandemic.
Cargill noted, “Our proposed agreement which the Union Bargaining Committee unanimously recommended as a comprehensive proposal, honors the tremendous skill and dedication of our Guelph workforce.” The Company added, “We are concerned about the hardships a labor disruption will pose to our employees and our customers. We will be working with the Union on next steps once we hear more from them.” The Company offer, accepted by the Negotiating Committee included a 9.3 percent wage increase and backpay dating to January 1, 2024, together with enhancements of benefits and a signing bonus.
The Guelph workers are supported by UFCW Local 401 in Alberta. It is possible that a strike could also be called in this case-ready plant and in a third location in Calgary.