Earlier this week the Grain and General Services Union Locals 1 and 2 issued 72-hour strike notice to Viterra.

The union represents 436 employees at Viterra's Regina head office and its other facilities across Saskatchewan.

Key issues for employees relate to fair wages, respect, and improved work-life balance.

Bargaining was set to resume yesterday between the two parties and a government-appointed mediator. 

Jordan Jakubowski, VP of Human Resources for Viterra Canada says they remain cautiously optimistic that an agreement will be reached. 

Should an agreement not be reached the GSU will be in a strike position effective 2 pm on Friday, while Viterra has said it may consider a lockout if an agreement cannot be reached.  

The grain company noted that they have contingency plans in place in the event of a strike or a lockout to minimize disruptions.