Unionized workers are on the picket line at Squamish Terminals today (July 2) as local members join thousands of other International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) members in strike action.
The union, which represents about 7,400 port and terminal workers in the province, and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) have been unable to reach an agreement.
The union has been without a collective agreement since late March.
In early June, ILWU members cast 99.2% of ballots in favour of a strike.
On June 28, the union issued a 72-hour strike notice.
The strike began at 8 a.m. Canada Day.
Sunday morning, the Squamish members on the line said they were not allowed to talk to the media.
However, national union president Rob Ashton previously said in a news release that the union's key issues in the negotiations with the BCMEA have been contracting out, increasing automation and the impact of inflation and the cost of living on workers.
For its part, the BCMEA said in an online release that it has been working to reach a "fair" deal.
"Our Bargaining Committee has made repeated efforts to be flexible and find compromise on key priorities, but regrettably, the parties have yet to be successful in reaching a settlement," reads the July 1 release.
Talks have continued.
Both sides are working with federal dispute resolution officers from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to reach a deal.
On Sunday, the BCMEA posted that after "33 consecutive hours of negotiations," they were taking a “health” break.
"Providing an opportunity for both parties to recharge and re-energize in the interest of achieving a fair and balanced agreement as soon as possible."
More to come...
