Some 7,400 B.C. port workers are back on the picket lines after their union rejected a federal mediator’s proposed agreement that had originally ended the 13-day strike on July 13.
“The ILWU Canada Longshore Caucus does not believe the recommendations had the ability to protect our jobs now or into the future,” said the union. “Our position since day one has been to protect our jurisdiction and this position has not changed.”
The union suggested that B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) member companies have earned “record profits” but have not addressed cost-of-living issues affecting port workers.
“The term of the collective agreement that was given with today’s uncertain times is far too long. We must be able to readdress the uncertainty in the world’s financial markets for our members,” said the union.
The BCMEA said the deal put forward was “fair and comprehensive” and offered increases to wages and benefits, and said the union “chose to instead remain entrenched in their position with little regard to the lives and jobs they are impacting.”
The union rejected the deal but did not send it to workers for a full vote, said BCMEA.
“The proposed four-year collective agreement settlement package that ILWU internal leadership rejected, included considerable hikes in wages and benefits over and above the [approximate] 10 percent increase received over the past three years, and generally above the established norm of recent private and public sector union settlements in British Columbia and Canada.”
The BCMEA said the tentative settlement also included specific provisions that addressed the union’s concern regarding “contracting out” work and measures to improve training, recruitment, and retention of ILWU trades workers now and in the future.
“Specifically, the BCMEA agreed to provide benefit coverage for all casual trades workers, a tool allowance, and a commitment to increase apprentices in the industry by 15 percent,” it said.
Canada Day Strike
Thousands of workers had been on strike since July 1, affecting more than 30 B.C. ports.The workers union says employees want higher wages, plus protection against contracting out work and automation from the employer, the BCMEA.
The strike has disrupted operations at two of Canada’s three busiest ports, the Port of Prince Rupert and the Port of Vancouver, which is where the majority of the country’s natural resources and commodities are exported, and raw materials are imported.
“We must collectively work together to not only restore cargo operations as quickly and safely as possible but to also rebuild the reputation of Canada’s largest gateway and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.