Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Burnbrae eggs caught in union boycott

Burnbrae Farms has been caught in a boycott of its eggs arising out of a union strike against a Toronto hotel owner.

So far about 1,000 letters have been sent to Burnbrae, saying the writers will boycott Burnbrae eggs until Rehan Chaudary settles with workers at his Toronto Plaza Hotel.

Rehan’s son, Akhtar, owns Chaudary Poultry of Wainfleet which markets its eggs to Burnbrae.

Rehan has angered his workers who say he has called them animals and has refused to negotiate.

"The Toronto Plaza Hotel workers simply don't deserve the treatment they are
getting,” says the letter from Mohamed Baksh of the United Steelworkers Union.

“Akhtar Chaudary can help end this strike, but he's done nothing so far.

"Burnbrae can help reach him and we are pleased that over 1,000 people agree.

"Now it's up to Burnbrae to do the right thing," says his letter.

A news release from the union also draws attention to the lawsuit Best Choice Eggs has filed against Burnbrae Farms, L.H. Gray and Son Ltd. and the Egg Farmers of Ontario marketing board, seeking $33 million to settle allegations that they have conspired to drive Best Choice out of the egg-grading business.

Gray denies any wrongdoing.