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Vancouver grain terminal strike ends with tentative deal
NewsA tentative deal was reached after a four-day strike at Vancouver grain terminals, with a ratification vote set for 4 October.
A tentative agreement has been reached after a four-day strike at six major grain terminals in the port of Vancouver that threatened grain shipments across Canada.
The Western Grain Terminal Elevator Association (WGEA) announced that stalled negotiations resumed Friday with the help of federal mediator Peter Simpson, leading to a tentative deal between the Grain Workers Union (GWU) and the Vancouver Terminal Elevators’ Association (VTEA).
The agreement, valid until 31 December 2027, will now go to a ratification vote on 4 October, CBC reported.
Douglas Lea-Smith, president of GWU Local 333 union, said while he had hoped for more for workers, they were satisfied with the deal. He acknowledged that reaching an agreement at the bargaining table was the best outcome.
Workers at six Metro Vancouver grain terminals had begun striking on Tuesday, with members of GWU Local 333 joining picket lines after serving strike notice three days earlier. Lea-Smith highlighted the challenges workers faced, including lost wages and harsh conditions on the picket lines.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed the agreement on social media, thanking both parties and federal mediators for their efforts.