The striking workers at a meat plant in Canada, owned by US agri-food giant Cargill, have agreed to return to work after negotiating a new pay deal. The 960 unionized employees at the Cargill Dunlop beef facility in Guelph, Ontario, had been on strike for 41 days before ratifying a new collective agreement.
The United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, representing the workers at Guelph, confirmed that the employees would be resuming work on July 8th. The facility processes approximately 1,500 head of cattle daily.
President of UFCW Local 175, Kelly Tosato, stated, “In our union, the power is in the hands of our members through their democratic vote, and the members at Cargill Dunlop used their vote to make their voices heard. It is a tough decision to go on strike, and it can be even more difficult to end a strike. But these members took a stand against a huge corporation, and they should be proud of their strength and courage.”
The newly ratified agreement includes wage increases totaling C$3.75 ($2.75) per hour over the course of the agreement, with $2 per hour in the first year. Additionally, employees will receive a $500 lump sum contract renewal incentive payment.
Other benefits secured by the union include improvements to dental coverage payments and increased bereavement leave. A Cargill spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing it as comprehensive, fair, and reflecting the critical role employees play in feeding families across Canada.
Workers at another Cargill meat plant in Calgary are currently voting on the company’s latest payment offer, with results expected on July 10th. In a statement, Thomas Hesse, president of UFCW Local 401, acknowledged the contributions of other workers and expressed gratitude for their courage and willingness to fight.
The new proposal for Calgary workers includes guaranteed hours for a significant number of employees, retroactive pay averaging C$400,000 per employee, and wage improvements. While the offer may not fulfill all demands, it provides a basis for further negotiations.
Chris O’Halloran, executive director for UFCW Local 401, emphasized the need for realistic expectations and fair advice for workers. He highlighted the importance of building on the progress made at the Guelph plant and working towards favorable outcomes for all employees.
