Saskatchewan Viterra Workers Vote to Accept Company Offer

Saskatchewan Viterra workers have voted to accept the company’s final contract offer that was tabled earlier this month. 

The Grain and General Services Union (GSU) confirmed acceptance of the company offer Friday afternoon, avoiding a labour disruption that would have impacted the company’s country operations, including grain procurement and loading for export. 

A GSU statement today did not release the results of the ratification vote but said the company offer did not receive overwhelming support. 

“While the changes in the final offer achieve part of what members were looking to gain, it doesn’t go far enough,” said Steve Torgerson, bargaining spokesperson and GSU general secretary. “Members will continue to press the company during the term of the new agreement to address their concerns.” 

Locals 1 and 2 of the GSU were in a legal strike position as of Jan 5, but after careful review of the final company offer the previous evening, union officials decided to put it to a vote among members. Union members rejected a previous final offer from the company back in November and subsequently voted in favour of strike action.    

Viterra management also warned that it would consider locking workers out if a new contract agreement could not be finalized. 

Key stumbling blocks in the negotiations included wages, health and safety, and work-family balance. No details of the new agreement were provided.    

Torgerson said the news deals are four years in length for both Locals. However, the first year of the agreements was for 2023, so they now have three years left to run.     

“This offer was accepted by the majority of members of both Locals, but members still have their sights set on more improvements next time,” Torgerson said. “It is important to point out that there are improvements gained in this deal. Improvements we have been working on for years. Improvements that will benefit members today and in years to come.”