Canadian beef producers call for rail strike solution
They want to avoid a feed shortage emergency
21 March 2022
2 minute read
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) remains hopeful that progression in the collective bargaining negotiations between the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will avoid a work stoppage and subsequent significant impacts to Canada’s beef sector.
On 16 March 2022, CP Rail gave notice of their intention to lock out employees as of 20 March. The union also gave their notice of intention to strike on the same day.
“We have communicated with both negotiating parties and Government representatives the absolute need to have trains continue moving otherwise we will have an animal care emergency on our hands,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “We remain hopeful that they will reach a resolution and are pleased to see them remain at the negotiating table.”
“Any stoppage of trains coming into Canada would be devastating to the Canadian cattle industry," added James Bekkering, NCFA Chair. "We have been dealing with feed shortages over the last few months and are completely reliant on feed coming from the United States. If a stoppage occurs, feed supplies will run out in one to two weeks causing a serious concern for the welfare of our animals.”
Western Canadian cattle producers are dependent on feed shipments from the US because of the hard-hitting drought producers faced last year from British Columbia through to Ontario. A disruption in shipments of feed grain from the US will significantly impact the ability of beef producers to feed their cattle, said the press release. Prior issues with rail and transportation have already reduced feed availability and feeders have been managing their needs on a train-by-train basis. There is no buffer in the system.
CCA and NCFA have been strongly encouraging both sides to reach a solution prior to strike or lock outs. In the event a solution cannot be reached, the parties should move directly to binding arbitration to avoid a work stoppage and the resulting necessity of implementing back-to-work legislation. It is imperative to prevent the serious consequences that would arise from a shortage of critical feed supplies on Canadian beef operations.
According to Statistics Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan corn imports in 2021 were up 400%.
