Vince Ready has been negotiating, mediating and arbitrating his way through the thorniest of labour disputes since 1965.
It’s this lifelong dedication to bringing peaceful resolutions to the most difficult of issues across the country that has earned him an honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). The award will be presented June 1.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this award and at the same time very humbled by it,” said Ready. “Kwantlen Polytechnic University provides quality education to the communities it serves.”
Widely regarded as the foremost mediator and arbitrator in Canada, Ready has overseen more than 7,000 labour disputes. Interestingly, he began his work in 1965 when he became the representative for the International Union of Mine, Mill, and Smelter Workers in Canada.
He also worked as an organizer, staff representative and troubleshooter for the United Steelworkers of America before starting his own private mediation-arbitration practice in 1982.
He has had a hand in resolving some of B.C.’s most notorious labour disputes, including the BC Transit strike in 2001; the BC Ferries labour action in 2008; and the teachers’ strike in 2014. In these and in many other cases, resolution was achieved as a result of Ready’s diplomacy and skill.
“Vince is truly a one-of-a-kind figure here in B.C.,” said KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. “His dedication and passion to his field are not only inspiring, but unrivaled.”
Bob Davis, president of the Kwantlen Faculty Association, lauded Ready for his outstanding contributions to public sector labour relations in B.C.
“Bringing together parties and achieving resolution on tough bargaining issues and disputes is itself a daunting task, but doing so while earning and maintaining the trust and respect of both parties−the employers and the unions−is the hallmark of Mr. Ready’s success,” said Bob Davis.
In 2011, Ready was inducted into the prestigious National Academy of Arbitrators in the United States. He is also a recipient of the Bora Laskin Award and the William Kelly Award.
