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Rogers hopes mediation can sweeten the deal in ongoing B.C. sugar strike

Labour dispute at Vancouver refinery is affecting sugar supplies heading into the holidays
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A sign is put up on Rogers Sugar shelves at a grocery store in Vancouver, on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Rogers Sugar Inc. says it has asked for mediation to help bring an end to an eight-week long strike at its Vancouver refinery.

The company says it has applied to the British Columbia Labour Relations Board for mediation to help it reach a new collective agreement with the 138 workers who have been off the job since Sept. 28.

The company says the union, the Public and Private Workers of Canada Local 8, has accepted mediation.

The Rogers Sugar refinery in Vancouver is one of only three large sugar refineries in the country that processes imported cane sugar.

The strike at the Vancouver facility has led to supply disruptions on grocery store shelves across Western Canada and caused difficulties for bakers and other small businesses that rely on sugar.

Rogers Sugar has apologized for the supply shortages and says it is using other facilities to help supply its Western Canadian customers.

READ ALSO: Rogers Sugar strike leaving bitter taste in the mouths of B.C. bakers