B.C. port strike: Federal labour minister launches review to uncovers ‘structural issues’

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan is launching an examination of the just lately resolved British Columbia port dispute to see if “structural issues” in negotiations led to a 13-day work stoppage.

In a written assertion launched via social media platform X, previously referred to as Twitter, O’Regan says officers will instantly start by reviewing experiences on earlier, related disputes.

O’Regan says the objective is to create long-term options resulting in “a harmonious working environment” between unions and employers in future collective bargaining.

Labour consultants say the federal authorities could have restricted choices to stop future stoppages just like the July 1 to July 13 B.C. port strike that froze actions of cargo value billions of {dollars}.

University of Manitoba affiliate professor of Labour Studies David Camfield says staff’ proper to strike in Canada is already “very narrowly circumscribed,” with solely unionized staff eligible to take job motion at a selected time after a collective settlement has expired.

Camfield says a push by the federal government to additional restrict strike motion throughout collective negotiations – an act protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms – could find yourself triggering authorized challenges and getting slowed down in courts.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, representing about 7,400 staff, stated final Friday that its members voted virtually 75 per cent in favour of ratifying a brand new deal.

Terms of the deal ratified by each the union and the BC Maritime Employers Association embrace a dedication by employers to coach staff to carry out upkeep on new tools.

Contracting out upkeep work to 3rd events had been one of the crucial contentious points throughout the dispute.

The four-year settlement additionally incorporates a number of phrases about staff’ compensation, together with boosts to hourly wages to a base fee of $57.51 by 2026.

There are additionally will increase within the “Modernization and Mechanization retirement lump sum,” bringing that payout to $96,250 in 2026 for eligible retirees, over and above regular pension entitlements.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Aug. 9, 2023.