Cargill’s second meat processing facility in Calgary is facing a potential labor dispute after a strike vote on June 10. 100 per cent of union members represented by UFCW 401 voted in favor of striking.
The Calgary Case Lady plant is a processing facility, and the union said that if a strike were to occur, workers would not only picket at the plant, but would also hold “secondary picket” events at retailers that sell Cargill meat products, including Walmart, Safeway and Superstore.
“The secondary picketing at the retail stores will be the activity that puts the most pressure on Cargill to offer a fair contract that addresses the needs of workers,” said Chris O’Halloran, executive director of UFCW Local 401. “It’s also the most fun part of the picketing.”
The union says the strike is aimed at raising wages to match the rapidly rising cost of living. “A date has been set for negotiations with the company, but there is a strong possibility that we may ultimately decide to go on strike,” it said on its website.
“If this happens, it will be our first affordability crisis strike and could set a precedent for future fights for workers’ rights and fair contracts that serve people’s needs at workplaces like Safeway, Superstore, JBS, Olymel and the Cargill plant in High River,” the union said.
Further bargaining sessions for workers at the Calgary Case Lady plant are scheduled for June 20th and 21st.
Workers at Cargill’s Guelph beef slaughter facility have been on strike since May 27, 2024. The Cargill plant is the largest beef processing plant in Ontario, capable of processing 1,500 head of beef per day and employing more than 950 workers.
Related: Ontario beef farmers call for end to Cargill strike
