Strike averted at London, Ont. Cargill plant as workers ratify new 4-year deal: UFCW
Global News
The deal voted on Wednesday was the second to be reached in as many days by the United Food and Commercial Workers and the company.
Unionized workers at Cargill Canada’s facility in east London, Ont. have ratified a new four-year contract with the agribusiness giant, averting a strike that could have impacted operations at the plant which processes poultry for McDonald’s restaurants across Canada.
The deal voted on Wednesday was the second to be reached in as many days by Cargill and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 175, which represents roughly 880 workers at the plant.
UFCW members rejected an earlier deal in a vote held on Sunday with only 38 per cent in favour. Within hours, Cargill requested that the two sides return to the table to reach a deal, with the clock ticking toward a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Following a day of talks, the two sides reached a second recommended settlement on Monday. On Wednesday, roughly 600 members voted on the new deal, with 70 per cent voting in favour of ratification, hours before the arrival of a second midnight strike deadline.
UFCW members at the facility have been working without a collective agreement since June 21, 2021 when their last contract expired, said Sam Caetano, Region 6 director for UFCW Local 175.
“Due to the current pandemic and restrictions we were not able to meet in person. We were able to meet in person in the fall of 2021. We spent about seven days in negotiations and had three days of conciliation over that period of time,” he said.
In a brief statement, Cargill said it was pleased that union members at the plant voted to accept a new agreement.
“We look forward to continuing to partner with all our valued employees to deliver products to our customers and help nourish consumers across Canada,” the statement read.