Beef farmer leaders from across Canada are urging union and company negotiators to get to the bargaining table to end a strike at the Cargill-owned plant at Guelph.
To date, there has been no indication of upcoming talks or negotiations that would see an end to the strike that began on May 27, the leaders of three organizations said in a news release.
“The challenges that come with the loss of eastern Canada’s largest beef processor cannot be understated,” said Craig McLaughlin, president of Beef Farmers of Ontario.
The plant usually slaughters 75 per cent of Ontario’s cattle. Since the strike began, they have kept independent, but small beef slaughter plants operating at capacity, many cattle leaving th4e province or being kept on farm gaining extra weight.
“With each passing day, the consequences of the Cargill Dunlop labour strike continue to mount for our feedlot sector, beef supply chain partners, and our farmers’ ability to cash flow their operations..” McLaughlin said.
“BFO urges both sides to work toward an immediate resolution of this dispute.”
Will Lowe, chairman of the National Cattle Feeders Association, also urged an end to the strike.
Also joining in the call for an end to the strike is the Canadian Cattle Association.
