Union rally at Jack Poole Plaza organized by B.C. port workers

A rally is scheduled to take place in Vancouver on Sunday as the ongoing strike at British Columbia’s ports enters its second week.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada has announced that the rally will be attended by international labor leaders who will advocate for a negotiated contract settlement with the BC Maritime Employers Association. The event, scheduled for 11 a.m. at Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza, is expected to see a large turnout of supporters, including striking workers, local and international labor leaders, and representatives from the United States and other countries who will echo the call for a fair contract settlement.

The ILWU’s quest for a contract that recognizes the contributions of its members to the Canadian economy has garnered support from the International Transport Workers Federation, a global organization representing 740 affiliated trade unions with a total of 18.5 million workers from 150 countries.

“B.C. shipping companies and terminals have seen record profits during the pandemic due to changes in the economy and consumer purchasing habits,” said ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton.

Since Canada Day, approximately 7,400 workers at over 30 B.C. ports have been on strike, citing concerns about pay, maintenance work provisions, contracting out, and automation.

The two sides resumed negotiations with the assistance of federal mediators on Saturday, following an impasse earlier in the week. The BC Maritime Employers Association has accused the union of attempting to expand its control of maintenance duties beyond established boundaries. While some business organizations and politicians have advocated for back-to-work legislation, Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan has emphasized the importance of reaching a negotiated settlement.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the association proposed the formation of a committee and the appointment of an independent arbitrator to address key sticking points related to maintenance work. Other topics under discussion include pay, the cost of living, and automation.

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BC port strike enters second week

In its latest statement, the association proposed that an arbitrator could provide non-binding recommendations to help the parties consider whether union members could perform some or all of the disputed maintenance work.

The association also proposed increased benefits for casual tradespeople and more apprenticeships, but these ideas were rejected by the union.

“We believe that a deal can be reached if ILWU Canada is willing,” stated the association. “We know that the best agreements are reached through negotiations, and that’s exactly what we are proposing to the parties.”

The union has not yet released its position on the latest meeting, but it previously accused the employers of relying on the federal government to intervene instead of engaging in negotiations themselves.

The union argues that employers have consistently enjoyed high profits, particularly during the pandemic, while workers endure difficult and hazardous conditions. Multiple business organizations across Canada have called for government intervention to end the strike, expressing concerns about its impact on the economy.

The date of the next round of talks is currently unknown, as the parties await further guidance from federal mediators.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 8, 2023.

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