Cargill, Alberta union workers reach tentative agreement

It appears a strike among meat-packing workers at Cargill in Alberta has been averted, after the union and company reached a tentative agreement.

The union members were set to go on strike in less than a week. The agreement is set to be voted on over the next few days.

In a statement, Cargill says it’s encouraged by Tuesday’s meeting with the union bargaining committee.

“After a long day of collaborative discussion, we reached an agreement on an offer that the bargaining committee will recommend to its members,” the company says.

It notes the offer includes retroactive pay, signing bonuses, as well as a “21 per cent wage increase over the life of the contract and improved health benefits.”

“We remain optimistic we can reach a deal before the strike deadline and encourage employees to vote on this offer which recognizes the important role they play in Cargill’s work to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way,” Cargill adds.

“While we navigate this negotiation, we continue to focus on fulfilling food manufacturer, retail and food service customer orders while keeping markets moving for farmers and ranchers.”

The union has demanded better working conditions following a COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020 that was linked to 1,000 cases.

Two employees, and one relative of an employee, died.

Related articles: 

• Alberta meat-packing union workers reject Cargill contract offer

• Cargill workers in High River to strike unless demands are met: Union

• Cargill strike would raise cost of Alberta beef: Analyst

It was just last week that the United Food and Commercial Workers rejected by 98 per cent a Cargill offer.

Formal notice was delivered by UFCW Local 401 on Nov. 10 after members voted 97 per cent in favour of the action.

The Cargill plant employs 2,000 people. It is one of the largest beef plants in Canada.