Strike at Cargill Dunlop ends after 41 days

GUELPH, ONTARIO — The Cargill Dunlop plant in Guelph, Ontario, has resumed operations after a 41-day strike. On July 6, 960 unionized workers at the beef plant ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Cargill.

The workers, represented by Local 175 of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), began the strike on May 27 after rejecting the company’s original collective bargaining agreement.

“It’s a hard decision to go on strike, and it can be an even harder decision to end a strike,” said Kelly Tosato, president of UFCW Local 175. “But these members stood up to a huge corporation, and they can be proud of their strength and courage.”

The new contract meets workers’ demands for a wage increase of an additional $3.75 per hour over the life of the contract, including $2 per hour in the first year. The $2 will be paid retroactively for all hours worked – including overtime – since January 1, 2024. In addition, workers will receive a $500 contract renewal bonus.

Cargill has agreed to increase dental benefits to $2,000 per year and provide five days of bereavement leave (up from four) for the death of a spouse, child or parent. Other improved benefits include better short-term disability insurance while on leave.

UFCW Local 175 noted that when workers return this week, not all members may receive full hours immediately. The union plans to pay prorated strike pay for the first week to those who do not receive full hours.

“Cargill is pleased to have reached an agreement with the union that our employees in Guelph have ratified,” said a Cargill spokesman MEAT+POULTRY. “The agreement, which is comprehensive, fair and market competitive, reflects the critical role they play in feeding families across Canada. We believe this positive outcome is in the best interests of our employees, customers and producers and look forward to building a stronger future together.”