Cargill layoffs not expected to impact Canadian union jobs: UFCW

A union representative told Global News he has received no notice of layoffs coming to front-line production workers for Cargill in Canada.

Cargill’s plans to slash thousands of jobs across its global workforce are not expected to impact front-line, unionized positions in Canada, according to the union representing the bulk of the food giant’s Canadian workers.

Minnesota-based Cargill confirmed to Global News on Monday that it plans to lay off about five per cent of its global workforce in the months ahead, amounting to roughly 8,000 jobs at the agricultural giant.

Cargill, by its own estimates, employs roughly 8,000 Canadian workers across 70 cities, including major operations in Guelph, Ont., and in Alberta.

Derek Johnstone, spokesperson for the United Food and Commercial Workers, told Global News on Wednesday there is so far limited information about the impact of the restructuring.

But he said the union has received no notice of layoffs coming to front-line production workers in Canada.

UFCW represents nearly 6,000 Cargill employees in Canada, Johnstone said in an interview. He added that he expects the bulk of reductions will come from managerial positions rather than anything affecting production.

Cargill operates as a commodity trader and processor for a swath of agricultural products around the world.

Thomas Hesse, president of the UFCW Local 401 union that represents nearly 2,500 Cargill workers at two plants in Calgary and High River, Alta., said in a statement Tuesday that it doesn’t appear Albertan workers are affected at this point.