B.C. port workers holding union rally at Jack Poole Plaza | 24CA News
A rally is to happen in Vancouver Sunday because the strike at British Columbia’s ports stretches into its second week.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada stated the occasion supporting its employees is predicted to incorporate worldwide labour leaders who will name for a negotiated contract settlement with the BC Maritime Employers Association.
ILWU Canada is holding the rally at 11 a.m. Sunday at Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza. A big turnout of supporters is anticipated together with strikers and native and worldwide labour leaders with some from the U.S., and world wide, who will echo the decision for a negotiated contract settlement with the BC Maritime Employers Association.
The International Transport Workers Federation, representing 740 affiliated commerce unions with 18.5 million employees from 150 nations, has voiced its assist for the ILWU’s quest for a contract that displays its members’ contributions to the Canadian economic system.
“B.C. shipping companies and terminals have made record profits during the pandemic as shipping costs have tripled through changes in the economy and buying habits,” stated ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton.
About 7,400 employees at greater than 30 B.C. ports have been on strike since Canada Day over points together with pay and provisions associated to upkeep work, contracting out and automation.
After talks stalled on Monday, the 2 sides had been again on the negotiating desk Saturday, supported by federal mediators. The affiliation has accused the union of attempting to “aggressively expand” its management of upkeep duties past what has been established for many years.
Business organizations and a few politicians have publicly known as for the federal authorities to herald back-to-work laws, however Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has stated negotiations are the best way to go.
The BC Maritime Employers Association issued a press release on Saturday night saying it met with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada and proposed a committee and unbiased arbitrator to make suggestions associated to key sticking factors round upkeep work.
Other points on the desk embody considerations round pay, the price of residing, and automation.
In its newest assertion, the affiliation stated an arbitrator may make non-binding suggestions to assist events contemplate whether or not union members may carry out some or all the upkeep work in query.
It stated their facet additionally proposed elevated advantages for informal tradespeople and extra apprenticeships, however the union rejected the concepts.
“We believe a deal can be reached if ILWU Canada wants one,” the assertion stated.
“We know that the best deals are made at the table, and this is exactly what we are proposing the parties do.”
The union didn’t instantly launch its place on the assembly however has beforehand accused employers of ready for the federal authorities to do their “dirty work” as a substitute of negotiating.
It has stated employers loved record-high earnings for a few years, particularly in the course of the pandemic, and employees who work beneath tough and harmful situations ought to have a justifiable share of that cash.
Multiple business organizations throughout the nation have known as for Ottawa to step in with back-to-work laws, citing considerations over the influence of a strike on the Canadian economic system.
It’s unclear when the 2 sides will discuss subsequent, after talks got here to an in depth on late Saturday. The employers affiliation stated it’s awaiting additional route from federal mediators.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 8, 2023
© 2023 The Canadian Press
