Close X
Sunday, December 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

One pedestrian dead, another hurt in separate crashes in Calgary

One pedestrian dead, another hurt in separate crashes in Calgary
A man is dead and a woman is in serious condition after two recent pedestrian collisions in Calgary. Police say a man in his 50s was riding a mobility scooter in a parking lot on Saturday when he was hit by an SUV.

One pedestrian dead, another hurt in separate crashes in Calgary

Drug seizure at a Langford home

Drug seizure at a Langford home
Police on Vancouver Island say a search of a home in Langford earlier this month netted a haul of drugs, cash and weapons including a pair of nunchucks.  West Shore R-C-M-P say officers from multiple units searched the home due to suspected drug trafficking activity on October 11th. 

Drug seizure at a Langford home

Bylaw patrols boosted for in Surrey

Bylaw patrols boosted for in Surrey
The City of Surrey says it's boosting bylaw patrols as Halloween and Diwali celebrations fall on the same day this year. The city says the patrols will focus on fireworks regulations. 

Bylaw patrols boosted for in Surrey

What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights? How is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?

What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights? How is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?
This year, the holiday is being celebrated on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. In the U.S., Diwali falls on Halloween this year, which has triggered quite a few #Diwaloween memes on social media where some celebrants can be seen lighting diyas in their scary costumes or handing out laddoos to trick-or-treaters.

What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights? How is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?

Prime Minister Trudeau calls for return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia

Prime Minister Trudeau calls for return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on countries around the world to do everything possible to repatriate Ukrainian children taken by Russia. Trudeau addressed delegations from more than 70 countries at a conference in Montreal this morning, as they prepare a joint declaration for the return of Ukrainian children, civilians and prisoners of war. 

Prime Minister Trudeau calls for return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia

Dental-care program hits 1 million patients in first six months, coverage expands

Dental-care program hits 1 million patients in first six months, coverage expands
A million Canadians have received care under the federal dental-care plan six months after the program began, Health Minister Mark Holland said Thursday.  Starting on Friday, the program will also cover more complex procedures. 

Dental-care program hits 1 million patients in first six months, coverage expands

PrevNext