Urgent Appeal to New Labour Minister on Rail Strike Risk

Jul 22, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Wheat Growers Urge Action on Rail Strike

The Wheat Growers Association extends a welcome to the Hon. Steven MacKinnon as the new Minister of Labour. The Association emphasizes the urgent need to address the potential national rail strike that threatens to disrupt the upcoming harvest season.

The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) is expected to release its decision regarding the maintenance of essential rail services by August 9th. This decision could trigger a strike within 72 hours, significantly impacting the movement of grain during a critical period.

“We hope that the new Minister understands that farmers depend on grain movement at harvest to get paid at delivery which helps offset harvest costs and inputs for the year. The complacency of the federal government on this file is putting farmer’s financial viability at risk,” stated Daryl Fransoo, Saskatchewan Director, in a media release.

Mr. Fransoo further highlighted the potential long-term consequences of a strike on Canada's international reputation as a reliable grain supplier. "International buyers operate on a 'just-in-time' delivery model," he explained.

"Regaining the trust and loyalty of international customers is very difficult. It’s often forgotten that once a strike ends, it can take months to move the backlog of grain, hurting farmers and communities long after the strike is over."

The Wheat Growers Association communicated its concerns to the previous Minister of Labour on two separate occasions, April 24th and May 22nd, 2024. Unfortunately, these communications did not receive a response.

“It’s not too late to resolve this issue, but time is running out to ensure that the 2024 harvest is not impacted. We urge the Minister to act swiftly in the best interest of Canadian grain farmers, our export markets and the Canadian economy”, closed Fransoo.

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