Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Further negotiations won't bring end to B.C. port workers strike, employers say

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Jul, 2023 09:45 AM
  • Further negotiations won't bring end to B.C. port workers strike, employers say

Talks to end a strike at British Columbia's ports have stalled with both sides accusing the other of being unreasonable.

The BC Maritime Employers Association released a statement Monday afternoon saying it had gone as far as possible on core issues and it doesn't think more bargaining is going to produce a collective agreement.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, representing thousands of workers who load and unload cargo at terminals at more than 30 B.C. ports, says it's the association that "sabotaged the progress."

Thousands of union members walked off the job Saturday morning. Both sides negotiated over the weekend and were at the table earlier in the day on Monday.

The association said it has advanced "reasonable proposals and positions in good faith" but said the union refuses to budge. 

"ILWU Canada went on strike over demands that were and continue to be outside any reasonable framework for settlement. Given the foregoing mentioned, the BCMEA is of the view that a continuation of bargaining at this time is not going to produce a collective agreement," the statement read.

"ILWU Canada needs to decide if they are going to continue this strike with no hope of settlement, or significantly modify their position so a fair and balanced deal can be reached." 

A key stumbling block appears to be around maintenance work, with the association accusing the union of attempting to change definitions and "aggressively expand their scope." Union president Rob Ashton said ILWU Canada is focused on stopping "the erosion of jurisdiction" and the extensive use of contractors.

"When we finally had a document that was largely agreed upon as the result of continuous movement by the union on this one position the association decided to change their position in an attempt to muddy the water and mischaracterize the work, we have spent months discussing," Ashton said in a statement.

Ashton said it's reasonable for workers, who he said helped achieve record profits during the pandemic, to have a fair and equitable share of them.

The strike led businesses organizations to issue warnings about wide-reaching implications across the country, with some pushing for the federal government to step in with back-to-work legislation.

The union, meanwhile, warned Ottawa not to interfere.

"We implore the BCMEA to get back to the table to achieve a fair and reasonable agreement that the parties negotiate together," Ashton said in his statement.

"It is unrealistic to think that a collective agreement that is imposed will result in long term labour stability in the industry. The parties need to put their best effort forward for the entire country and not just their individual aims."

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan has said the focus of negotiations "needs to be on the table."

The association represents 49 private sector employers operating in B.C. ports, and its website says the industry contributes $2.7 billion to Canada's GDP while handling roughly 16 per cent of the country's total traded goods -- amounting to $180 billion in 2020.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Gurpartap Singh Walia and his son charged with sexual exploitation, assault of teenage girls in Calgary

Gurpartap Singh Walia and his son charged with sexual exploitation, assault of teenage girls in Calgary
Sumrit Walia, 24, faces about 20 charges — including sexual interference with a minor, sexual exploitation as well as possessing, accessing and creating child pornography. His 56-year-old father, Gurpartap Singh Walia, is also charged with sexual assault, sexual interference with a minor and selling contraband tobacco.

Gurpartap Singh Walia and his son charged with sexual exploitation, assault of teenage girls in Calgary

Plane crash in Surrey on 152nd St, pilot hurt and road closures in effect

Plane crash in Surrey on 152nd St, pilot hurt and road closures in effect
152 Street between 72 Avenue and 68 Avenue has been closed in both directions to all traffic. Police are requesting people plan ahead, avoid the area and use alternate routes. It is unknown how long the closures will remain in effect.

Plane crash in Surrey on 152nd St, pilot hurt and road closures in effect

Gun and a jerry can full of gasoline located inside vehicle

Gun and a jerry can full of gasoline located inside vehicle
A 39-year-old man, believed to be the driver, who is known to police was transported to Surrey RCMP cells and held in custody. Investigators confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from Coquitlam in November 2022.  

Gun and a jerry can full of gasoline located inside vehicle

Two teens charged in Prince George drug bust

Two teens charged in Prince George drug bust
Mounties say officers seized a firearm as well as 1.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine from a home while executing a search warrant last Friday.

Two teens charged in Prince George drug bust

Surrey Drive Thru Arrest

Surrey Drive Thru Arrest
The man allegedly berated drive-thru staff in early February. Mounties say the man was arrested on May 24th and was charged with assault and causing a disturbance.

Surrey Drive Thru Arrest

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility
Health Minister Adrian Dix says the funding will go toward structural repairs, enhancing patient care rooms, improving ventilation and making it more accessible. The minister says construction is expected to be complete by 2025.

B.C. giving $4.5 million to upgrade children's hospice facility