Labour talks flounder at Cargill plant Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by DAVE PINK A Ministry of Labour mediator will meet with representatives of Guelph-based Cargill Meat Solutions and Local 175 of the United Food and Commercial Workers union Thursday in an attempt to head off a work stoppage.The beef-processing plant, the biggest in Ontario, employs nearly 800 unionized workers. A strike could begin as early as Friday midnight.Union members have already rejected one company offer that called for wage rollbacks. But union spokesperson Luc Lacelle says the major unresolved issue involves the company’s use of short-term workers during periods of peak production when there are unionized employees on layoff.“As a union, we don’t have a problem with flex workers when they are needed, as long as nobody’s on layoff,” says Lacelle. “If there are extra hours available we want our members to have access to them.”Lacelle says the company has also wanted to bring wages at the Guelph plant in line with its other North American operations and its competitors."We want to ensure the long-term viability of our business. It's essential that this business remains competitive," said Matt Gibney, the general manager of the Cargill operation in Guelph, who would not discuss any specifics of the negotiations. "It's our hope to resolve this without any sort of labour disruption." Minneapolis-based Cargill has a world-wide workforce about 140,000 people in the food, agricultural and financial industries. It operates two beef production plants in Canada – the one in Guelph formerly known as Better Beef, and another in High River, Alta. The Guelph plant processes up to 2,000 animals a day, and employs a total workforce of about 1,900 people. Almost all of the cattle processed in Guelph come from Ontario, with some from Quebec. BF Report fires up biofuels debate Canadian organic growers join U.S. court case
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online