The Grain Workers Union (GWU) Local 333 has issued a 72-hour strike notice, potentially halting operations at six major bulk grain terminals in Vancouver as early as Tuesday, September 24. The strike notice, served to the Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association (VTEA), could impact key terminals handling Canada's grain exports, including Alliance Grain, Cargill, Cascadia, G3, Pacific Elevators, and Richardson International.
The union represents 650 operations staff at the six terminals, which play a vital role in the Canadian grain export supply chain. Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has expressed deep concern over the potential strike, noting that the terminals handle around 52% of all Canadian grain exports. The GGC estimates the strike could halt the arrival of nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of grain per day, resulting in an export loss of approximately $35 million daily.
"Grain farmers across the prairies, who are in the middle of their harvest season, rely heavily on the Port of Vancouver for exports," a GGC spokesperson said. "Following last month's rail work stoppages, this strike would be equally devastating, further damaging Canada's global trade reputation."
The Grain Growers of Canada has called on the federal government and Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon to intervene to prevent a work stoppage. Without a resolution, vessel delays and increased anchorage demand are expected at the Port of Vancouver. Anchorage vessel class assignments remain fluid, and other grain terminals, such as Fraser Grain Terminal (FGT), are not expected to be affected at this time.
A potential strike could have severe implications for the Canadian agricultural sector, further straining the country's export infrastructure and risking the loss of key international markets.
