The union representing port workers in British Columbia says it has issued a 72-hour strike notice and its members are ready to walk off the job on Saturday.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWUC) has been in talks with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association since February, with the collective agreement between the two expiring at the end of March.
The union has been seeking “a fair deal that respects longshore workers.” Some main objectives include an end to contracted work, protection from automation, and better wages.
In a Wednesday morning news release, the union says the employer has repaid workers’ “hard work and dedication” during the pandemic with “demands for major concessions.”
“Their only objective is to take away rights and conditions from longshore workers after having gorged themselves on record profits during the pandemic,” the union stated.
The strike would affect workers at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority among other areas around B.C.
“We remain committed to negotiate an end to this dispute that respects Longshore Workers and we call on the BCMEA to drop all concessions and get serious about negotiating with the Union in good faith,” the ILWUC said.
If a deal is not struck before the strike deadline, workers will walk off the job at 8 a.m. on July 1.
source & photo : CityNews
