The union representing more than 400 employees who work for Viterra in Saskatchewan served 72-hour strike notice to the grain company on January 2.
Representatives from Viterra and the Grain and General Services Union (GSU) are planning to meet with a federally-appointed mediator on January 3 and 4.
“If significant progress is not made during the upcoming negotiations on January 3 and 4, GSU members are prepared to initiate strike action to secure a fair collective agreement,” noted GSU general secretary and chief bargaining spokesperson Steve Torgerson.
The strike could begin as early as 2 pm on January 5. Viterra spokesperson Jordan Jakubowski told CTV Regina the company may consider a lockout if a deal isn’t reached by the deadline.
The union says the strike would include 384 staff who work in country operations and maintenance, as well as 65 staff at Viterra’s head office in Regina.
The GSU says the main bargaining issues are “reliable wage increases, better work-family balance, health and safety and greater respect in the workplace.”
