B.C. port workers approve new contract, formally ending long-running labour dispute
Unionized port staff in B.C. have voted in favour of a brand new contract negotiated with their employer, placing an finish to months of uncertainty on the province’s ports.
In a short assertion Friday night, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada stated 74.66 per cent of its members had voted in favour of the tentative settlement, which was reached final weekend with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
The BC Maritime Employers Association – the employers’ consultant in negotiations – touted the brand new settlement’s will increase in wages, advantages and coaching for staff in a press release reacting to the vote on its web site Friday evening.
The affiliation additionally hailed the “certainty and stability” the brand new deal will convey.
“The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the profound repercussions this labour disruption has had on the national economy, workers, businesses and ultimately, all Canadians that depend on an efficient and reliable supply chain,” the assertion reads. “All supply chain stakeholders must collaborate now to ensure we do not see disruptions like this ever again.”
Friday’s vote to approve the brand new settlement with the BCMEA comes after the ILWU Canada twice rejected a earlier deal.
The ILWU Canada’s 7,400 B.C. members most not too long ago rejected a negotiated settlement in a vote on July 28.
That identical deal – which was drafted by a mediator on the request of federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan – had been beneficial for ratification by the union’s management, which initially rejected it and not using a membership vote on July 18.
The first tentative settlement put an finish to a 13-day strike that froze cargo actions out and in of 30 port terminals and different websites in B.C.
Business teams estimated that the strike price Canada’s financial system billions of {dollars} in commerce.
Shortly after the vote was introduced Friday night, one such group – the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade – issued a press release expressing reduction on the end result.
President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson additionally known as on the federal authorities to “expand its options for addressing labour disruptions that impact the national economy and supply chains.”
“Our priority must be to strengthen the resilience and stability of our domestic supply chains and international trade relationships,” Anderson stated. “As an open and trading economy, Canada needs to rebuild its reputation as a reliable trading partner.”
With recordsdata from The Canadian Press
