Winnipeg - The United Food and Commercial Workers union said on Thursday that no talks are planned with Maple Leaf Food Inc to try and resolve labour disputes that have shut down four of the company's meat processing plants
"We're not talking and no talks are scheduled," union negotiator Kip Connoly said. "I don't know if or when we'll talk."
Maple Leaf Foods, Canada's largest food processor, is the target of two strikes at its Bullington, Ont., and Edmonton, Alta., kill-and-cut plants. It has also locked out workers at plants in North Battleford, Sask., and Hamilton, Ont.
More than 2,200 unionized workers were either on strike or locked out over wage and pension disputes, the union said.
Saskatchewan bacon processors were locked out Aug 31 followed by workers in Hamilton on Oct 4. The Burlington packers struck Nov 15 followed by Edmonton packers on Nov 17.
Despite the continuing dispute, Maple Leaf's shares rose 0.10 to 15.75 in light turnover of 25,514 shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange in early afternoon trade.
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