Thunder Bay grain handlers reject final contract offer

More than 200 grain handlers in Thunder Bay rejected the final offer from the Lakehead Terminal Elevators Association on Friday, but they're not headed to the picket line just yet.

The grain handlers have been without a contract since Jan. 31. They're members of the United Steelworkers.

"We have a mandate to strike but that's not our objective at this stage," said union spokesperson Herb Daniher. "Our objective is to go back to the table and try to resolve the differences between the parties and try to reach an amicable settlement."

Danihersaid the union has requested federal mediation and hopes meetings could begin as early as Monday.

He said hours of work are one of the key points of disagreement.

"Deregulation in the industry caused a lot of competitive pressures on companies," Danihersaid.

About 230 unionized grain handlers work at four sites in Thunder Bay, for three differentcompanies: Viterra, Richardson Ltd. and Superior Elevator.