Impasse on B.C. port strike not broken by Saturday’s round of negotiations

Vancouver –

Striking British Columbia dock staff and their employer held a spherical of bargaining over the weekend, the primary since negotiations collapsed one week in the past, however neither aspect is saying when, or if, extra talks are deliberate.

About 7,400 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada have been on strike since July 1, idling all cargo dealing with on the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s busiest harbour.

Prince Rupert, the nation’s third busiest port, and greater than 28 others alongside the size of the B.C. coast are additionally behind picket traces.

The BC Maritime Employers Association says in its newest assertion, issued Saturday after the spherical of mediated talks, that it made a suggestion to deal with dock staff’ calls for to broaden union jurisdiction over common upkeep work at terminals.

Jurisdiction over upkeep, in addition to improved wages and language to stop contracting out and automation are key points within the dispute.

The union has not responded publicly to the affiliation’s proposal, however a union chief advised a rally in Vancouver on Sunday that management over upkeep is a “line in the sand,” and though longshore staff cannot stop automation, they, not contractors, ought to make repairs if robots break.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed July 10, 2023.