B.C. port strike: New tentative deal would mean ‘long-term stability,’ O’Regan says | 24CA News
A brand new tentative deal reached between the 2 sides concerned in a labour dispute impacting some 7,400 British Columbia port employees would imply “long-term stability” if ratified, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan says.
The deal was reached late Sunday night time with the help of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) mentioned in a joint assertion they’re recommending their members to ratify it.
“The ILWU and the BCMEA reached a new tentative agreement, with the help of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. In a joint statement, both parties agreed to recommend ratification,” O’Regan mentioned in a tweet Monday.
“Our ports are operating, but this deal — made by the parties — would mean long-term stability.”
For 13 days this month starting July 1, some 7,400 port employees at 30 ports within the province walked off the job, stalling billions value of cargo from shifting in or out at a few of Canada’s busiest terminals.
That strike got here to an finish when the perimeters reached a tentative deal, however that was rejected by union leaders on July 18. Workers have been briefly again to the picket strains, however that transfer was deemed unlawful by the economic relations board as 72-hour discover was not offered.
The union issued a brand new 72-hour strike discover solely to rescind it hours later, then introduced it might suggest the deal to members in a full vote. But members rejected it final week.
Details of the brand new deal reached Sunday haven’t but been launched. The deal that was turned down was a four-year provide that included hikes in wages and advantages.
The union has expressed concern over the apply of contracting out upkeep work, saying Sunday it “will lead to an erosion of our workforce and expertise, ultimately jeopardizing the stability and efficiency of Canada’s maritime industry.”
A supply inside the minister’s workplace informed Global News on background Monday that if the tentative deal was rejected once more, the problem would return to the CIRB, which might use the instruments offered by O’Regan on Saturday.
O’Regan mentioned he was directing the economic relations board to find out if a negotiated finish to the dispute was nonetheless doable, and if not, to impose an settlement or ultimate binding arbitration.
Pressure had been mounting for federal intervention if a deal didn’t eventuate.
Parties together with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business have all urged the federal authorities to legislate an finish to the dispute if it continued.
The 13-day strike held earlier this month value roughly $10 billion in misplaced commerce, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade estimated.
— with recordsdata from The Canadian Press
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
