Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Union talks underway between foremen, employers to avoid latest B.C. port strike

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Oct, 2024 12:21 PM
  • Union talks underway between foremen, employers to avoid latest B.C. port strike

Negotiations between British Columbia's port employers and the union representing foremen are entering a final scheduled day in a bid to avoid a labour disruption.

Both the BC Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 confirm talks are ongoing with the help of federal mediation services.

The current negotiation session began on Oct. 29 and was said to be extendable by two days, if necessary.

The union, which represents about 700 foremen at the ports, has said if talks break down it has a mandate from members to strike that expires on Nov. 2.

No job action has taken place and no notices of strike or lockout have been issued, but Local 514 president Frank Morena has said "the clock is ticking" given the strike mandate's expiring date.

Negotiations began last year after the last contract expired in March 2023.

The union said in September that members voted 96 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action if necessary.

The dispute has been centred around one employer, DP World, and its manpower requirements as it relates to automation.

The union has said it had "no interest in an industry-wide dispute" because it wanted to negotiate with DP World directly, but the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the union can't bargain with one employer alone.

The union said that ruling prompted members to take an industry-wide vote on a strike mandate. 

The Canada Industrial Relations Board also ruled earlier this month on complaints from both sides alleging negotiating in bad faith, dismissing the union's claim, while partly agreeing with the employers' complaint. 

Vancouver's port — the largest in Canada — has seen a number of recent disruptions, including in September when workers set up pickets at six Metro Vancouver grain terminals.

A month before that, port operations were disrupted by work stoppages at both major Canadian railways.

A 13-day port workers strike last year froze billions in trade at the docks.

MORE National ARTICLES

Eby promises $75 million rural health loan forgiveness plan at Okanagan campaign stop

Eby promises $75 million rural health loan forgiveness plan at Okanagan campaign stop
NDP Leader David Eby is promising a $75-million loan forgiveness program to entice doctors, nurses and heath professionals to expand health-care services in rural British Columbia. Eby's provincial election campaign pledge comes as hospitals in rural B.C. face periods of emergency closures due primarily to staff shortages.

Eby promises $75 million rural health loan forgiveness plan at Okanagan campaign stop

Canadian Chamber of Commerce sends stark warning about U.S. trade relationship

Canadian Chamber of Commerce sends stark warning about U.S. trade relationship
Canadian officials and business groups have been meeting with Democratic and Republican counterparts across the U.S., making sure Canada is prepared for any outcome of the November election.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce sends stark warning about U.S. trade relationship

Leaders televised debate tonight

Leaders televised debate tonight
Leaders from the three main political parties in B-C are set to square off today in the only televised debate before election day. The three candidates also took part in a radio debate last week, which saw them joust over affordability, health care and the opioid crisis, while trying to undermine each other's credibility to form the next provincial government.

Leaders televised debate tonight

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau headed to Laos for ASEAN Summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau headed to Laos for ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is travelling to Laos today to take part in the ASEAN Summit. Canada is not a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but has a strategic partnership with ASEAN and is hoping to conclude a trade deal with the 10-nation bloc by the end of next year.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau headed to Laos for ASEAN Summit

Suspected homicide under investigation in Port Hardy

Suspected homicide under investigation in Port Hardy
Police are investigating what they say is a suspected homicide in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island. The major crime unit says in a statement that a person was discovered hurt in the community on Sunday.

Suspected homicide under investigation in Port Hardy

Driver charged with impaired driving causing death

Driver charged with impaired driving causing death
Surrey R-C-M-P say a driver has been charged with impaired driving causing death after a pedestrian was struck and killed while at a bus stop over the weekend. Investigators say on Saturday afternoon a truck crossed into oncoming traffic and then collided with a bus stop bench injuring two pedestrians and causing damage to the surrounding property.

Driver charged with impaired driving causing death