Tuesday, August 4, 2026

CLAC Begins Strike Action for Manitoba Peat Moss Workers at Premier Horticulture

WINNIPEG—Peat moss workers employed by Premier Horticulture Ltd. have initiated a strike, effective August 4. Their union, Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 152, has been working for a year to negotiate a renewal of their expired six-year collective agreement.

The parties have been in negotiations since August 2025, with the key issues centred around wages and the duration of the new agreement.

“Wages for these workers have not kept pace with high inflation,” says Geoff Dueck Thiessen, regional director, Winnipeg Member Centre. “We’re looking for this employer to respect the work their employees perform under difficult circumstances by keeping pace with their neighbours. We’re eager to find a settlement these workers can agree to and get them back to work as soon as possible.”

Employees of Premier Horticulture harvest peat moss from peat bogs and package it at a plant near Richer, Manitoba. Under Manitoba labour law, employers can no longer hire replacement workers.

CLAC is Canada’s largest independent union, representing construction, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail workers across the country.

CLAC Begins Strike Action for Manitoba Peat Moss Workers at Premier Horticulture

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