No sooner had the federal government last week announced its plan to review hours of work rules in country grain elevators than grain company officials were warning that any change could hurt farmers and close elevators.
“If it comes down to having to hire more employees because of a shorter work week, it could lead to some of the smaller elevators being closed,” said Manitoba Pool Elevators president Charlie Swanson.
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool vice-president Marvin Shauf agreed.
“If there are changes, it may speed up consolidation processes,” he said.
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Problem studied
Last week, labor minister Lawrence MacAulay appointed Vancouver lawyer Stephen Kelleher as a one-person industrial inquiry commission to investigate union calls for shorter work weeks for elevator managers and assistants during planting and harvest seasons.
Since 1980, hours of work have been set at eight hours per day, 40 hours per week through 32 weeks of the year.
More hours expected
During 10 weeks in spring and 10 weeks in autumn harvest, the standard work week is extended to 48 hours, before overtime must be acknowledged.
Approximately 2,700 grain company employees are affected.
For years, the Grain Services Union has called for the 40-hour week to be extended throughout the year.
The GSU argues the extended work week means employees are forced to work eight hours per week during planting and harvest without extra pay, and this allows the companies to avoid hiring additional staff.
Companies argue the grain business is a seasonal one and employees who work longer hours during the busy season often have shorter weeks during other seasons as a balance.
Kelleher has been given until Nov. 30 to consult and report back.
