Rail cars are seen on the tracks outside the Viterra Cascadia Terminal, that handles grain exports, in Vancouver on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Talks aimed at resolving a strike by grain terminal workers in Metro Vancouver have broken down, with the employers' association expressing disappointment after two days of discussions.
In a statement, the Western Grain Elevator Association said the employer group had made an improved offer to address "outstanding issues," but the proposal was turned down.
Picket lines were set up at six grain terminals in Metro Vancouver on Tuesday after about 600 members of the Grain Workers Union Local 333 accused the employers of failing to "meaningfully engage" during 12 days of negotiations.
The Western Grain Elevator Association stated that its offer included a wage proposal "well ahead of inflation for the past six years."
However, the association added that grain terminal companies have now exhausted their "financial ability to finalize a deal that the industry can sustain."
The matter is now in the hands of a mediator, who will report to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, who had earlier ordered both parties back to the table with federal mediation.
The Grain Workers Union has yet to respond to requests for comment.
