Provincial meat inspectors declared essential in B.C.

These individuals monitor operations and sanitary conditions of abattoirs

Some members of B.C.’s public service received an “essential” declaration as the labour dispute between the provincial government, and the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) continues.

Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham announced on Sept. 11 that provincial meat inspectors are now considered essential.

“Abattoirs play a critical role in supporting farmers and ranchers throughout B.C.,” she said in a statement. “I am very pleased that we have been able to successfully work with the BCGEU to have provincial meat inspectors classified as essential workers during this round of job action.”

People in this role “monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering and meat processing plants, and inspect carcasses to ensure they are fit for consumption,” WorkBC’s website says.

A service being deemed essential exempts people in those positions from strike activity.

As of Oct. 2021, B.C. had about 50 provincially licensed abattoirs.

The essential designation came after ranchers raised concerns about how the strike would affect processing.

Randy Jones, general manager of Hanceville Cattle Company near Williams Lake, previously told CBC this is a busy time for his operation.

“We are into our fall season, which is actually a really busy time for the markets and our beef and whatnot,” he said in an interview with CBC’s Radio West.

Section 72 of the Labour Relations Code identifies the parameters for an essential service. The Labour Relations Board makes the official designation.

If a labour dispute involving certain positions “poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of British Columbia,” people in those sectors could be deemed essential.

Other positions identified as essential include first responders, doctors and nurses, food supply chain businesses, and wastewater services.