Transport delays ‘strike’ again

Apr 18, 2018

Farmers could 'pay the price' of a possible CP worker strike, APAS president says

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Early this morning, Teamsters Canada said it notified Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway that workers will go on strike April 21.

The strike is a result of unresolved negotiations between Teamsters and CP, according to a Reuters article today.

“CP rail and the unions have been in negotiations for a number of months. … Obviously the union is frustrated with the situation, as over 90 per cent of their members asked for a strike mandate,” Todd Lewis, Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) president, said to Farms.com today.

Teamsters Canada, which is associated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said it issued the railway company a formal 72 hours notice of intent to strike, Reuters said.

And the strike comes at a difficult time for Canada’s farmers.

“The potential of a strike comes at a time when we already have a grain backlog. Further delays in service due to a strike wouldn’t be a good story for grain producers, that’s for sure,” Lewis said.

This labour strike is “another tired excuse that the railroads have” for transportation delays, he added.

“It’s disappointing and, at the end of the day, farmers are going to pay the price.”

APAS has reached out to the government in an effort to prevent labour disruptions that may affect rail service.

“We’ve reached out through the Crop Logistics Working Group, an industry group that was appointed by Minister MacAulay that speaks to grain transportation issues,” Lewis said.

“A letter has been sent to MacAulay and the federal labour minister asking that back-to-work legislation be enacted as quickly as possible.”

On April 13, CP had yet to reach an agreement with two of its unions, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference – Train & Engine (TCRC) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the article said.

To meet the proposed demands of the union bodies, TCRC payroll costs would rise by 24 per cent and IBEW’s would increase by 25 per cent over the next three years, CP said.

In total, the unions represent about 3,360 workers, including conductors, engineers and signal maintainers.

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.