Bargaining continues as latest Cargill offer voted down

According to United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Local 401, Cargill union members voted down Cargill’s contract offer by a 98 percent margin this week.

“Cargill workers have told their employer through another overwhelming vote that they matter and that they deserve something more,” said UFCW Local 401 President Thomas Hesse. “We will be communicating the result to Cargill and asking them to return to the bargaining table to respond to our members.”

Cargill union members have previously stated they will be on strike by 12:01 AM on December 6, 2021 if a deal is not made. On Thursday, Cargill sent a notice indicating that if a deal is not made by the same time, they will commence a “complete lockout of all employees in the bargaining unit” represented by UFCW, Local 401.

On Friday, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) shared this statement:

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) continues to monitor the ongoing labour dispute at the Cargill High River processing plant. We have connected with Cargill and the Government of Alberta, and remain optimistic that a mutually beneficial agreement will be reached between the two parties before December 6.

Alberta’s beef farmers and ranchers rely on continuity in the processing sector and those workers who contribute to the success of our beef supply chain. During the height of the pandemic, we saw the impacts of a processing disruption, coupled with the drought and soaring costs of production, which continue to affect both cattle and beef markets.

As the December 6 deadline approaches, we are strongly encouraging a timely resolution.