A strike at Port of Vancouver grain terminals is underway, one that could have significant repercussions for Prairie grain producers.
About 650 members of Grain Workers Union Local 333 walked off the job Tuesday morning after contract talks with the Vancouver Terminal Elevators’ Association (VTEA) broke down on Friday. The union served VTEA with a 72-hour strike notice Saturday morning, clearing the way for picket lines at six port grain terminals. Cargill, Richardson International, Viterra, and G3 are among the members of VTEA that have grain operations at the Port of Vancouver.
The labour disruption follows a brief work stoppage at Canada’s two major railways last month and comes as western Canadian farmers are deep in the heart of this year’s harvest. In a statement Monday, the Grain Growers of Canada warned a strike would stop all shipments of bulk grain from the Port of Vancouver, resulting in a loss of $35 million in exports daily.
Following the start of the strike, the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) said the Canadian government must move swifty to end the impasse to ensure grain can continue to move to global buyers, especially as farmers here already face sharply lower prices and tougher financial times.
“A work stoppage at the Vancouver grain terminals will cause significant financial and reputational harm at a time when the whole industry, from farmers to processors to exporters, are already facing significant market challenges and headwinds,” said Chris Davison, CCC president & CEO. “We urge the federal government to take all necessary measures to ensure that Canadian canola can move through the Port of Vancouver to reach international markets.”
Yesterday, Ian Boxall, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, called the potential port strike another “gut punch” for farmers who have already endured more than their fair share of grain transportation-related work stoppages.
“Our farmers are again caught in the crossfire of labour disputes far from their fields, facing the consequences of halted grain shipments. It’s high time for assertive government action to safeguard our supply chain integrity,” Boxall said.
