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Published: November 6, 2024

Meat Survey Report

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Meat Processors Survey

  • Over half (55%) of Canada’s meat processors report not being able to fill positions or experience chronic recruitment challenges. A further 21% occasional or seasonal challenges recruiting qualified workers. Greatest challenges reported in Quebec and BC among mid to large sized processors.
  • Meat processors cited: Meat cutters, plant management & supervisors, slaughterers, butchers and production labourers as the top key occupations. Recruitment challenges for Meat cutters and butchers were cited most often across most regions of Canada
  • Canada’s Meat processors hired an estimated 24,500 workers over the past year. This represents a 41% turnover rate in the industry for key occupations.
  • Meat processors also reported an average vacancy rate of 12.4% – the equivalent 7,300 positions across Canada. vacant
  • 8% of employers, representing 35% of the workforce, reported utilizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program over the past year.
  • The “average” processor in Canada employs 102 workers, but 45% employ less than and 10% employ 200+. Over one-third, 35% of positions, are filled by Women and 10% filled by recent immigrants.
  • In total, n=417 meat processing employers participated in the survey administered by Ipsos. Data collection was conducted via a telephone (n=299) and online (n=118) surveys between December 30th, 2017 and April 23rd, 2018. Meat processors surveyed employed a total of 45,300 workers, representing an estimated 75% of the total industry workforce

Who we surveyed:

  • n=417 meat processing employers surveyed.
  • Meat processors surveyed employed 45,300 workers, or 75% of the total industry workforce*.
  • Representative distribution across regions and segments.

* According to the 2016 Census Canada’s Meat product manufacturing industry (NAICS 3116) employed 59,290 workers in 2016

Meat Processing Industry Profile

There is significant overlap in activities and animal types

  • Overwhelming majority (75%) of processors are involved in multiple processing activities and animal types
    • 8-in-10 are involved in Meat cutting
    • Three-quarters involved in Further processing
    • Almost half (47%) in Abattoirs/Slaughter
Activity Type Number of respondents (%)
Abattoirs/Slaughter 195 (47%)
Meat cutting 335 (80%)
Further processing 304 (74%)
Total 417
Processing Activity

Regional differences in processing activity:

  • Western Canada (62%), British Columbia(63%) and Atlantic Canada(68%) have the largest concentration of Abattoirs
  • Ontario and Quebec concentrated in Meat cutting and Further processing
Bar chart titled 'Activity by Province,' showing percentages of processing activities by region in Canada. Activities include 'Abattoirs/Slaughter,' 'Meat cutting (quartering, initial cuts of meat, and retail cuts),' and 'Further processing (e.g., products such as sausage).' Regions listed are British Columbia/Territories, Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Total Sample. The chart notes that multiple processing activities may be included at each plant. British Columbia/Territories shows 63% for Abattoirs, 88% for Meat cutting, and 67% for Further processing. Western Canada shows 62%, 88%, and 78% respectively. Ontario shows 35%, 80%, and 77%. Quebec shows 38%, 66%, and 64%. Atlantic Canada shows 68%, 84%, and 63%. Total Sample shows 47%, 80%, and 73%.
Animal Type
  • 76% of facilities process Pigs (hogs), 70% Beef Cattle, and 66% Chickens or Poultry
  • Saskatchewan is among the most diverse processors pigs, beef, lambs/sheep and other live stock
  • Higher concertation of Chicken and other poultry processors Quebec and Atlantic Canada
Processor Export Markets
  • Overall,16% of processors export to the US and 13% export internationally, while 31% export to other provinces Processor Export Markets Share (%) of Processors that Export, by Province British Columbia Western Canada 4% 10% 10% 11% 6% 
  • 42% of Quebec’s processors export to the US, compared to only 4% in BC 27% 29%
  • Pig (hog) processors are most likely to export to the US and internationally
  • 58% of large processors with 200+ employees export to the US, 69% to other international markets
Workforce –Employment Size

Processors are stratified across small, medium and large facilities:

  • The “average” processor in Canada employs 102 workers, but average is uncommon.
  • 45% employ less than 10 (averaging 5.8 workers) , while 10% employ 200+ (employing an average of 670 workers)
  • On average, largest processors are Poultry and Hog plants, abattoirs/slaughter facilities and those in Quebec and Western Canada 

 

Permanent Full-time Employment Share

By Region

80% of meat processor workforce is made up of permanent full-time positions:

  • Chicken processors report the highest share of permanent workers at 86%, while hog and pig processors reported a full-time employment share of 73%.

Question: Over the past year, on average, how many paid positions were permanent full-time?

Meat cutters, plant management & supervisors, slaughterers, butchers and production labourers are the top key occupations for meat processors.

Question: What are the top key occupations, or specific job titles for workers, at your plant? By key occupations we mean either occupations employed in the largest numbers, those with the most specialized skills or those generally most critical to production..

Occupation Profile

Occupational Profile:

  • Production labourers* account for one-third (35%) of industry employment,
  • General (10%) and specialized (10%) meat cutters are another one-fifth(20%)

*included poultry and other production labour

Occupation Profiles
Abattoirs/Slaughter
Aggregated bar with the following values: Specialized Cutter, 27.5%, Slaughter Person, 23.5%, General Meat Cutter or Knife Person , 10.8%, Management, 5.9%, Office Staff, 5.9%, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 4.9%, Supervisors, 2.9%, Animal Handler, 2.9%, Machine Operator, 2.0%, Master Butcher, 2.0%
Aggregated bar with the following values: Production Labourer , 36.3%, General Meat Cutter or Knife Person , 21.2, Slaughter Person, 8.5, Specialized Cutter, 6.8%, Supervisors, 5.5%, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 5.1%, Master Butcher, 4.2%, Management, 3.4%, Animal Handler, 2.7%, Other Abattoirs / Slaughter staff, 2.2, Office Staff, 2.1%, Skilled Trades, 1.3%
Occupation Profiles
Meat Cutters
Aggregated bar with the following values: General Meat Cutter or Knife Person , 22.7%, Production Labourer(Barn Worker), 37.7%, Specialized Cutter, 14.1%, Master Butcher, 5.1%, Management, 4.7%, Skilled Trades, 4.1%, Machine Operator, 3.1%, Office Staff, 3.1, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 2.3%, Supervisors, 2.2%
Aggregated bar with the following values: Poultry Production Labourer, 48%, Poultry Cutter / Trimmer , 16%, Management, 10%, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 10%, Skilled Trades, 7%, Office Staff, 5%, Supervisors, 4%
Occupation Profiles
Further Processors
Aggregated bar with the following values: Production Labourer, 41%, General Meat Cutter or Knife Person , 16%, Process Control and Machine Operator, 9%, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 8%, Management, 7%, Office Staff, 6%, Skilled Trades, 5%, Supervisors, 3%
Aggregated bar with the following values: Poultry Production Labourer, 48%, Poultry Cutter / Trimmer , 15%, Maintenance (included Janitors, Sanitation Workers, Cleaners), 13%, Office Staff, 6%, Management, 6%, Supervisors, 5% Skilled Trades, 5%, Animal Handler, 0%
Occupation Profiles
  • On average, 12% of meat processing positions were vacant over the past year, the equivalent of 7,300 positions across Canada.

On average, meat processors reported:

  • 34% filled by Women
  • 10% filled by recent immigrants
  • 3% filled by TFWs
Workforce Profile - Vacancies
Vacancies as a share of average positions - Bar chart: British Columbia 11%, Western Canada 5%, Ontario 13%, Quebec 19%, Atlantic Canada 10%, Overall 12.4%

Vacancies are most acute in Quebec, least likely in Alberta :

  • Quebec processors reported that highest vacancy rates at 19%; Western Canada the lowest (5%)
  • Quebec processors reported that highest vacancy rates at 19%; Western Canada the lowest (5%)
Vacancies as a share of average paid positions - Bar chart: 201 or more = 13%, 121 to 200 = 17%, 61 to 120 = 11%, 11 to 60 = 11%, 10 or less = 12%

Meat Processing Workforce Profile

Workforce Profile - Vacancies
Vacancies as a share of average positions - Bar chart: British Columbia = 11%, Western Canada = 5%, Ontario = 13%, Quebec = 19%, Atlantic Canada = 10%, Overall = 12.4%

Vacancies are most acute in Quebec, least likely in Alberta :

  • Quebec processors reported that highest vacancy rates at 19%; Western Canada the lowest (5%)
  • Highest among processors employing 120 to 200 workers
Vacancies as a share of average paid positions - Bar chart: 201 or more = 13%, 121 to 200 = 17%, 61 to 120 = 11%, 11 to 60 = 11%, 10 or less = 12%

On average, meat processors reported:

  • 34% filled by Women
  • 10% filled by recent immigrants
  • 3% filled by TFWs
Workforce Profile - Vacancies
Vacancies as a share of average positions - Bar chart: British Columbia 11%, Western Canada 5%, Ontario 13%, Quebec 19%, Atlantic Canada 10%, Overall 12.4%

Vacancies are most acute in Quebec, least likely in Alberta :

  • Quebec processors reported that highest vacancy rates at 19%; Western Canada the lowest (5%)
  • Quebec processors reported that highest vacancy rates at 19%; Western Canada the lowest (5%)
Vacancies as a share of average paid positions - Bar chart: 201 or more = 13%, 121 to 200 = 17%, 61 to 120 = 11%, 11 to 60 = 11%, 10 or less = 12%

Workforce availability and Recruitment

  • Over half (55%) of Canada’s meat processors report not being able to fill positions or experience chronic recruitment challenges.

Recruitment Challenges:

  • A further 21% occasional or seasonal challenges recruiting qualified workers
  • In total, 78% report some form of challenges recruiting or retaining qualified workers.

Question: How would you describe the general availability of workers you need? Would you say that you are…?

Recruitment challenges most severe in BC and Quebec:

  • Almost 4-in-10 processors in BC report not being able to fill positions.
  • 70% of meat processors in Quebec report not being able to fill positions(25%) or experience chronic recruitment challenges(45%).

Question: How would you describe the general availability of workers you need? Would you say that you are…?

Workforce Availability
Bar chart displaying workforce recruitment and retention challenges by region in Canada, with categories showing levels of difficulty. Regions listed are British Columbia, Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Categories include 'Experiencing immediate and persistent challenges,' 'Experiencing ongoing challenges,' 'Experiencing occasional or seasonal challenges,' and 'Experiencing no significant challenges.' British Columbia shows 38% immediate challenges, 29% ongoing, 17% occasional, and 15% no significant challenges. Western Canada has 17%, 27%, 22%, and 33%, respectively. Ontario has 22%, 31%, 19%, and 25%. Quebec has 25%, 45%, 21%, and 9%. Atlantic Canada has 16%, 37%, 42%, and 5%.

The largest facilities report more pressing hiring challenges than the smaller ones:

  • Over half (54%) of Canada’s meat processors with between 121 and 200 workers cannot fill positions or experience chronic recruitment challenges.
  • Three-quarters (75%) of Canada’s largest meat processors report not being able to fill positions or experience chronic recruitment challenges

Question: How would you describe the general availability of workers you need? Would you say that you are…?

Bar chart displaying workforce recruitment and retention challenges by region in Canada, with categories showing levels of difficulty. Regions listed are British Columbia, Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Categories include 'Experiencing immediate and persistent challenges,' 'Experiencing ongoing challenges,' 'Experiencing occasional or seasonal challenges,' and 'Experiencing no significant challenges.' British Columbia shows 38% immediate challenges, 29% ongoing, 17% occasional, and 15% no significant challenges. Western Canada has 17%, 27%, 22%, and 33%, respectively. Ontario has 22%, 31%, 19%, and 25%. Quebec has 25%, 45%, 21%, and 9%. Atlantic Canada has 16%, 37%, 42%, and 5%.

Meat processors have difficulties recruiting Meat cutters and butchers across most regions of Canada:

  • 4-in-10 processors cited Meat cutters/ butchers as the most difficult to recruit, 6-in-10 in BC and over half in Western Canada.
Rank Occupation Overall Atlantic Canada Quebec Ontario Western Canada British Columbia
1 Meat cutter/ butcher 42% 53% 14% 43% 52% 60%
2 General labour/ Day labourer 11% 5% 8% 14% 9% 8%
3 Electromechanic/ electrotechnician 6% 5% 26% – 2% –
4 Production worker 5% – 5% 7% 3% 6%
5 Sanitation/ Maintenance 5% 11% 10% 4% 3% 2%
6 Supervisor/ manager 5% – 10% 2% 5% 4%
7 Meat wrapper/ packaging 4% – 5% 5% 2% 4%
8 Food processing operator 3% 5% 12% 1% 1% –
9 Deboner 2% – 4% 2% 2% –
10 Sausage maker 2% – – 2% 4% 2%
11 Driver/ shipper 2% 5% 3% 2% 1% –

Evidence of significant recruitment challenges supported by high turnover.

  • Evidence of significant recruitment challenges supported by high turnover.
  • Evidence of significant recruitment challenges supported by high turnover.
  • Employers with between 120 to 200 workers, reported hiring 80% of their workforce over the past year.
  • The number of total hires of Poultry killers and slaughters is almost equal to total average employment over a single year.
  • Foreman/women and other meat cutting staff have the lowest turnover rates while saw machine operators and other poultry staff have the highest.

Survey highlights:

  • 8% of employers utilized the Temporary Foreign Worker Program over the past year.
  • 4% hired through the Provincial Nominee Program.
  • Employers participating in TFW or PNP programs are much more likely to report inability to fill vacant position. 

Workforce Wages and Benefits

  • Comparison of average starting hourly wages for Production labourers and Master butchers across provinces shows lower wages in Atlantic Canada and higher wages in Ontario and Western Canada.
Starting Hourly Wage ($) - Production Labourer - Bar chart: British Columbia $14.27, Western Canada $14.67, Ontario $14.89, Quebec $13.70, Atlantic Canada $11.95, Overall $14.43
Starting Hourly Wage($) - Master Butcher - Bar chart: British Columbia $20.45, Western Canada $19.19, Ontario $20.52, Quebec $19.02, Atlantic Canada $13.80, Overall $19.62.
Benefits - Bar chart: British Columbia 45%, Paid days or leaves i.e. sick, family 41%, No employment benefits offered 34%, Pension plan 23%, RRSP Matching 13%, Other 12%
45% of the meat processing plants offered extended health and drug plans, while 1/3rd offered none.

Workforce Recruitment

Workforce Wages and Benefits

How are vacancies most often filled?

Meat Processors Survey

Methodology

  • In total, n=417 meat processing employers participated in the survey administered by Ipsos.
  • Data collection was conducted via a telephone (n=299) and online (n=118) surveys.
  • The survey was fielded between December 30th, 2017 and April 23rd, 2018.
  • The margin of error for a sample of n=417 is +/- 4.7%, nineteen times out of twenty. The margin of error will be greater for sub-groups depending on sample sizes.
  • The average length of the survey was 21 minutes via telephone and 33 minutes via online.
  • Respondents were screened to ensure that only those individuals who had detailed information about the people employed within the organization and the types of skills and qualifications required by the organization participated in the survey.
  • The survey was conducted in both English and French, depending upon the preference of the respondent.
  • Respondent contact information for the survey was provided by FPHRC.

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