Agricore is inviting its farmer members to work at the company’s country elevators in the event of a strike or lockout this fall.
“Farmers are our owners,” said Agricore spokesperson Diane Wreford. “If they want to work in their own facilities, then we’re willing to see what we can do.”
This latest development in the contract dispute between Agricore and the Grain Services Union was denounced by a union official.
“I think it is a serious, serious mistake,” said secretary manager Hugh Wagner.
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Talks between Canada’s second-largest grain company and the GSU broke down in early September with the two sides far apart on major issues, including wages, seniority, job security, pensions and other benefits.
Last month, members of the GSU, which represents about 850 workers at elevators and farm supply depots, voted 78 percent in favor of strike
action.
One more last-ditch bargaining session has been scheduled for three days beginning Nov. 1. The two sides are trying to negotiate a first-ever contract to replace three existing agreements between the GSU, Alberta Wheat Pool and Manitoba Pool Elevators.
Wreford said Agricore has received numerous inquiries from farmers offering their help in keeping the company open for business if there is a walkout.
The company responded last week by mailing a message to its members saying if they want to work at an elevator, the company will provide training and supervision.
GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner said the idea of taking on farmers to run elevators is “one of the stupidest things” he’s ever heard.
“When you put customers in the shoes of the employees, and realize they have to work again and do business after the dispute is settled, it is a reckless and unconscionable gamble.”
Safety issue
He said he’s concerned about the safety of people coming into work at a grain elevator, with its dangerous and complex technologies.
“This is not something you train for in a day,” Wagner said, adding the plan shows how little the company values the skills of its employees.
The two sides will meet in Winnipeg Nov. 1 with federal conciliation officer Tom Hodges, who has already filed a report on the bargaining to the federal labor minister. Wagner said he expects the minister will release the report in the last week of October. The two sides would be in a legal strike-lockout position seven days later.
Wreford said in the event of a work disruption, the company will focus its efforts on keeping its large, high-throughput elevators open and will try to provide service in all areas. The company is also making plans to truck grain from facilities that are closed to those that are open, and to move grain directly from farms to end users.
