News release

September 28, 2004                                     

Grain of uncertain quality to hit Canadian market, warns PSAC  

Ottawa— The Canadian Grain Commission is willing to deliver uninspected grain to Canadian domestic markets if inspectors go out on strike.   The Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission, Ms. Chris Hamblin, indicated this in a recent press release.   The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the union representing the inspectors, finds this position unacceptable.

“The Commission is willing to put the health of Canadians at risk,” declared the President of the PSAC Agriculture Union, Yves Ducharme.   “The grain Canadians consume is as important as that sold outside the country,” he continued.

In the event of a strike, the CGC will concentrate its remaining personnel on grain for export.   The Chief Commissioner wrote that, if a strike occurs, “ the CGC dedicates its resources to assuring the quality and weight of grain as it is loaded into vessels for export .”

Ducharme also questions the Commission's claims to the effect that complete teams of inspectors experienced in exports can be replaced by a few managers, who are often inexperienced in the area of grain inspection.

“We have more than 400 members assigned to inspections and the weighing of grain.   There are quite a few of them, and they have a lot of experience.   The idea of replacing them effectively with a handful of managers is unthinkable,” stated Ducharme.

According to the National President of PSAC, Nycole Turmel, the labour conflict CGC inspectors are embroiled in underscores the need for the Prime Minister of Canada to get involved to bring about a negotiated settlement that is both fair and equitable.

“All Canadians will soon suffer the adverse effects of a labour conflict that is lingering on because of the inertia of the federal government,” stated Turmel.   “The government is dragging its feet in these negotiations and is refusing to make valid offers, “she added.

PSAC currently has 40,000 members in a strike position in its various departments and agencies.   More than 80,000 workers could be added to this total in a few days.  

-30-  

Information : Alain Cossette, PSAC Communications, (613) 560-4317                       (613) 293-9210 (cell)