Bargaining Stalls

Following the rejection of our Memorandum of Agreement earlier this summer, your bargaining committee returned to the table with the company on Monday, August 28. During the meeting, we clearly explained why the previous memorandum was rejected and what issues need to be addressed to get a deal that members can support. We reiterated the need for a more substantial wage increase for all members and emphasized that members must see economic benefits sooner, in the first and second years of the agreement, rather than having them all at the end.

The company’s response was disappointing. They held their position and offered the same excuses as before. Unfortunately, the company’s answer to our request was a flat NO.

Given the employer’s refusal to consider our demands and concerns, your bargaining committee believes that negotiations have stalled and reached an impasse. We have officially filed notice with the Federal Minister of Jobs and Families, the Hon. Patty Hajdu, and have requested that the Minister appoint a conciliator to assist us in reaching a collective agreement.

To learn more about what happens with an impasse, CLICK HERE.

This process means both parties will have to engage in conciliation with an appointed officer from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. This won’t start for a few weeks and can last until late October or early November. We will share updates on the conciliation process as they happen.

Now What?

As conciliation is taking place, your Local 4 Executive will meet to on September 8. This will be a strategy and planning meeting where your executive officers will make plans on what we all need to do in the coming weeks to show Grain Millers that your concerns and asks have merit and that you all deserve what you’ve asked for.

This will include discussing all options from direct actions members can take on the shop floor, reviewing the money available to the Local from the Defense Fund, discussing what a strike or lockout might look like and how we want to approach it, and how we can all work together to push back against an employer that has risen as a premier company in its industry on the backs of its employees.

Please watch your inbox and cell phone for an update from your Executive following this meeting.

If you are aware of any member not receiving these emails, please speak with steve@gsu.ca. If you’d like to receive text updates please message me at 306-529-5925. 

Issued Aug. 29, 2025 by GSU general secretary Steve Torgerson on behalf of your Local 4 Bargaining Committee