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Union disappointed with Bunge-Viterra news
Jan 23, 2025 | 5:05 PM
The Grain Services Union (GSU) is joining farmers expressing concern over the Bunge-Viterra merger.
The issues had been highlighted by industry groups, unions and farmers for months, according to GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson. He said for the federal government to now approve the merger with such limited conditions is troubling for various reasons.
The approval conditions set by the Trudeau government only guarantee the retention of the Viterra head office in Regina for five years. Torgerson said the short-term commitment provided little assurance for members, leaving them facing uncertainty and anxiety about their long-term job security.
“The lack of stronger protections for Canadian jobs is deeply disappointing, especially given the absence of vocal support from our provincial government and federal political leaders to address this concern.” Torgerson said. “I would hope it doesn’t take a lobbyist to convince our provincial leaders of the importance of keeping good-paying jobs in our province—they should not only know it but be fighting relentlessly to protect them.”