The port workers’ strike on the West Coast of Canada has resumed after the disapproval of the tentative four-year wage agreement.
International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada Longshore Caucus has voted down the mediators’ recommended Terms of Settlement, as it does not believe the recommendations had the ability to protect dock workers’ jobs.
“Our position since day one has been to protect our jurisdiction and this position has not changed. With the record profits that the BCMEA’s member companies have earned over the last few years the employers have not addressed the cost of living issues that our workers have faced over the last couple of years as all workers have,” said ILWU Canada in a statement.
The union noted that the term of the collective agreement that was given with today’s uncertain times, is far too long. “We must be able to readdress the uncertainty in the world’s financial markets for our members,” added ILWU Canada.
The two Canadian ministers, who were involved in the negotiations, Seamus O’Regan Jr and Omar Alghabra, as well as BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), expressed their disappointment at the rejection of the deal by the dock workers.
The discussions and negotiations for a new agreement are expected to recommence in the next days.
