BURNABY — The BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) has announced that dairy milk testers in British Columbia have initiated job action, specifically a strike, following a prolonged period of contract negotiations lasting 20 months. The union represents the interests of dairy production technicians who are employed by Lactanet, the organization responsible for collecting milk samples from approximately 175 dairy herds across the province.
The strike began on Tuesday, stemming from ongoing disputes over compensation, particularly regarding mileage reimbursement for the testers who use their personal vehicles to transport samples to Lactanet's laboratory located in Chilliwack, B.C. According to the union, the current compensation of 41 cents per kilometer is significantly lower than the 72 cents per kilometer suggested as a guideline by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes. This discrepancy has prompted the workers to seek an increase in their mileage compensation, especially as some farms are situated as far away as 100 kilometers.
Lactanet has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing strike. The BCGEU has articulated that the strike will impact farmers adversely, as they will not receive the necessary data required to demonstrate the quality of their milk to the BC Milk Board. The Milk Board plays a crucial role in determining the market value of milk and, consequently, how much revenue farmers can expect from their production.
Maria Middlemiss, treasurer of the BCGEU, emphasized the importance of sustaining the dairy industry in her remarks released on Friday. She stated, “Dairy farmers need these tests, and their milk testers. The B.C. dairy industry deserves a sustainable testing service, and that means accounting for the actual costs of business. Balancing finances on the backs of workers is not a way to help the dairy industry thrive.”
The BCGEU revealed that Lactanet milk testers had voted overwhelmingly, with 89 percent in favor of strike action on November 18, having been without a contract since the end of September 2023. Jack van Dongen, a milk tester and chair of the workers’ bargaining committee, expressed the difficult nature of the decision to strike in the union’s news release. He conveyed the testers’ dedication to the dairy industry and their commitment to farmers, stating that many testers hold second jobs to make ends meet. He remarked, “We’re not trying to get rich doing this job, but it’s not reasonable or sustainable for us to pay out-of-pocket for travel expenses, especially since that’s not the industry norm.”
The milk testers are urging Lactanet to return to the bargaining table and present an offer that adequately covers their travel costs. The BCGEU's statements highlight the ongoing struggle for fair compensation in the dairy sector and the potential ramifications of the strike for both the workers and the farmers they serve.
This report, originally published by The Canadian Press, sheds light on the crucial role that dairy milk testers play in the industry and underscores the labor challenges faced by workers striving for reasonable compensation in relation to their business expenses.
