Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Workers to rally on day six of B.C. port strike, employer seeks binding arbitration

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Jul, 2023 09:54 AM
  • Workers to rally on day six of B.C. port strike, employer seeks binding arbitration

The president of the union representing striking British Columbia port workers said employers are waiting for the federal government to do their "dirty work" instead of negotiating an end to the workers' six-day strike. 

Officials with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada also said the association representing port employers is more interested in a "dirty tricks campaign," than resuming talks that stalled on Monday.

Hundreds of port workers and supporters attended a solidarity rally in Vancouver Thursday morning, chanting in unison and waving placards and union flags.

Rob Ashton, president of the union, told the rally that "the employer walked away from the table three times."

"They don't want to negotiate with us. They don't want to do the right thing for the workers of the longshore division that put their lives on the line during the COVID pandemic," he said.

"They're trying to wait for the government to do their dirty work because they don't want to treat us with respect."

Following his speech, the workers marched to the busy intersection of Clark Drive and East Hastings Street to picket.  

The BC Maritime Employers Association has been calling for binding arbitration to end the strike involving about 7,400 workers at more than 30 ports.

The union workers have been off the job since Canada Day to back demands for improved wages and provisions against contracting out and automation.

Ashton said in a statement earlier Thursday that the employers association had released misinformation and details exaggerating the incomes of dock workers.

The association said Wednesday that binding arbitration could quickly resolve the job action.

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan is instead urging the two sides to make use of available mediators and resume negotiations.

O'Regan met with his B.C. counterpart, Labour Minister Harry Bains, on Wednesday to discuss the strike, which has idled Canada's busiest port, in Vancouver, as well as the third busiest port, in Prince Rupert.

CP Rail, now known as CPKC Ltd., issued temporary embargoes on rail traffic to the Port of Vancouver this week, while officials in Alberta and Saskatchewan have joined with business organizations in B.C. and across Canada calling for federal legislation to end the job action.

"Negotiations are still paused, however, the BCMEA remains ready to re-engage at a moment’s notice, assuming ILWU Canada is prepared to present a reasonable proposal," the association said in an email Wednesday. 

The strike has potentially disrupted $3.7 billion of cargo, it said.

"Automotive parts, refrigerated food, fertilizer, critical minerals and goods … are not reaching Canadians or our trading partners abroad," said the association.

Data show the Port of Vancouver handles approximately 142 million tonnes of cargo annually while nearly 25 million tonnes of goods moved through Prince Rupert in 2022.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. officials warn of lightning-caused wildfires expected this week

B.C. officials warn of lightning-caused wildfires expected this week
Cliff Chapman, operations director for the BC Wildfire Service, said the lightning that's expected to be "widespread" across the province is more likely to hit higher, mountainous terrain, but strikes are also possible in or around communities.

B.C. officials warn of lightning-caused wildfires expected this week

Provincial climate action tax credit being distributed

Provincial climate action tax credit being distributed
The finance ministry says payments are set to arrive in the bank accounts of more than two million people after the province increased credit payments to help offset inflation.   

Provincial climate action tax credit being distributed

City councillor in Merritt, B.C., struck and killed in apparent hit-and-run: mayor

City councillor in Merritt, B.C., struck and killed in apparent hit-and-run: mayor
The mayor of Merritt, B.C., says a city councillor has been killed in an apparent hit-and-run crash outside another community. Mayor Michael Goetz says he understands Coun. Claire Newman had been on her way to meet her husband ahead of a planned trip to Alaska to visit an ailing friend.

City councillor in Merritt, B.C., struck and killed in apparent hit-and-run: mayor

RCMP officer says he forgot to record B.C. murder suspect's arrest after car crash

RCMP officer says he forgot to record B.C. murder suspect's arrest after car crash
The police officer who arrested a man accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl found dead in a Burnaby, B.C., park six years ago says no recording of the arrest exists because he forgot to switch on his recorder when a police car crashed into another vehicle at the scene. 

RCMP officer says he forgot to record B.C. murder suspect's arrest after car crash

Police warning of scammers posing as Calgary officers to steal thousands of dollars

Police warning of scammers posing as Calgary officers to steal thousands of dollars
Calgary police say people can verify an officer’s identity by requesting to see a badge, as well as a badge number and a photo ID card. People can also call the police non-emergency number to verify an officer’s identity.

Police warning of scammers posing as Calgary officers to steal thousands of dollars

Strong home sales continue for Vancouver

Strong home sales continue for Vancouver
The board says that's up 1.3 per cent in a single month -- although it's still more than two per cent below the benchmark price set one year ago. Overall, the board says the housing market "continues to outperform expectations," -- with the apartment or condo market eclipsing slightly slower sales in the townhouse and detached home sectors.

Strong home sales continue for Vancouver