By Alice McFarlane

Viterra workers vote to accept latest contract offer

Jan 19, 2024 | 3:46 PM

The members of Grain and General Services Union (GSU) Local 1 and Local 2 have given their thumbs up, voting in favour of accepting the final offer from Viterra.

Elected officers tallied the results today from the ratification vote that happened on Jan. 4.

Bargaining spokesperson and GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson said although it was approved the result did not show overwhelming support.

“Members of Local 1 and 2 have been living under the company’s so-called pay-for-performance system for 15 years now,” Torgerson said. “While the changes in the final offer achieve part of what members were looking to gain, it doesn’t go far enough. Members will continue to press the company during the term of the new agreement to address their concerns.”

As a result of this approval, the bargaining process will now move into the next phase where GSU and Viterra will work together to incorporate the agreed-upon changes into the new collective agreement.

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“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.”

According to Jordan Jakubowski, VP of Human Resources for Viterra Canada, the four-year agreement recognizes employee’s individual contributions in the company’s pay-for-performance compensation structure, which includes continued eligibility for an annual bonus payment under the company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan.

“We’re very pleased to have reached a long-term agreement with our employees, one that we believe is fair and reasonable that takes into account their needs while balancing the needs of our business through long-term labour stability,” Jakubowski said. “We have a long history of working fairly and respectfully with our employees, and through this agreement we can continue to serve our customers with superior service across our Saskatchewan business.”

This latest agreement affected 436 employees in Viterra’s country operations and maintenance and Regina Head Office.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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