Packer May Sue Inspectors
10/27 09:26
-Inspectors Claim Safety Concerns, But Could Be Sympathetic to Strikers
WINNIPEG (Dow Jones) -- Lakeside Packers are preparing to take legal action against the federal meat inspectors who are refusing to cross the picket line at the Brooks, Alberta, beef slaughterhouse, according to a company release.
Workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 have been on strike at the plant for more than 2 weeks, although about 1,000 employees have crossed the picket lines. While Lakeside was trying to see some production with those employees willing to work, the federal meat inspectors, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, have refused to enter the plant since Monday.
The UFCW, Local 401 and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will also likely be in the suit, said the Lakeside statement.
"The more than 30 inspectors and veterinarians who work at the plant crossed the line without incident during the first week of the strike, but have declined to do so this week, reportedly because of the safety concerns of a few inspectors. However, we're not aware of any picket line incidents involving CFIA inspectors," said the release.
"We question whether the unionized inspectors' alleged safety concerns are genuine. Over 1,000 of Lakeside's team members have been safely crossing the picket line. We believe there's evidence that a few unionized inspectors are expressing support for the UFCW Local 401 by staying away from the plant to keep it from operating. We would rather not have to file suit, however, we believe the inspectors' actions are unlawful," said the release.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has reportedly told the inspectors they will provide them with safe access to the plant, according to the release. The company also offered to bus the inspectors; however, CFIA hasn't accepted this offer.
"Our suit will seek damages. Those responsible for these costly delays should be held accountable for their actions, including covering the costs associated with these delays. These inspectors have a legal obligation to do their job and are not part of this dispute," said the release.
The Lakeside workers had been set to strike in mid-July before the province stepped in and imposed a disputes inquiry board. The one-man panel came up with a tentative settlement which was accepted by the workers, but rejected by the company. Tyson (TSN) came back with a revised offer, which was rejected by the union, setting up the current strike action which started Oct. 12.
The fear of violence in the town has caused the RCMP to call in extra officers from other detachments. Criminal charges have already been laid against people on both sides in the dispute.
Lakeside Packers has a daily slaughter capacity of 3,800 cattle, which was slated to increase to 4,700 head this fall. Tyson has said it will send cattle to its U.S. facilities if it is unable to process them at Lakeside.
(SK)
10/27 09:26
-Inspectors Claim Safety Concerns, But Could Be Sympathetic to Strikers
WINNIPEG (Dow Jones) -- Lakeside Packers are preparing to take legal action against the federal meat inspectors who are refusing to cross the picket line at the Brooks, Alberta, beef slaughterhouse, according to a company release.
Workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 have been on strike at the plant for more than 2 weeks, although about 1,000 employees have crossed the picket lines. While Lakeside was trying to see some production with those employees willing to work, the federal meat inspectors, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, have refused to enter the plant since Monday.
The UFCW, Local 401 and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will also likely be in the suit, said the Lakeside statement.
"The more than 30 inspectors and veterinarians who work at the plant crossed the line without incident during the first week of the strike, but have declined to do so this week, reportedly because of the safety concerns of a few inspectors. However, we're not aware of any picket line incidents involving CFIA inspectors," said the release.
"We question whether the unionized inspectors' alleged safety concerns are genuine. Over 1,000 of Lakeside's team members have been safely crossing the picket line. We believe there's evidence that a few unionized inspectors are expressing support for the UFCW Local 401 by staying away from the plant to keep it from operating. We would rather not have to file suit, however, we believe the inspectors' actions are unlawful," said the release.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has reportedly told the inspectors they will provide them with safe access to the plant, according to the release. The company also offered to bus the inspectors; however, CFIA hasn't accepted this offer.
"Our suit will seek damages. Those responsible for these costly delays should be held accountable for their actions, including covering the costs associated with these delays. These inspectors have a legal obligation to do their job and are not part of this dispute," said the release.
The Lakeside workers had been set to strike in mid-July before the province stepped in and imposed a disputes inquiry board. The one-man panel came up with a tentative settlement which was accepted by the workers, but rejected by the company. Tyson (TSN) came back with a revised offer, which was rejected by the union, setting up the current strike action which started Oct. 12.
The fear of violence in the town has caused the RCMP to call in extra officers from other detachments. Criminal charges have already been laid against people on both sides in the dispute.
Lakeside Packers has a daily slaughter capacity of 3,800 cattle, which was slated to increase to 4,700 head this fall. Tyson has said it will send cattle to its U.S. facilities if it is unable to process them at Lakeside.
(SK)