A strike notice that was leaked to the Vancouver Sun indicates that Deltaport and Vanterm container terminals, both operated by Global Container Terminals will be the first location for the job action which will be to support the unions call for progress in federally mediated contact talks with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association which represents shipping interests in the province.
One of the key issues in this round of negotiations is said to be the looming prospect of automation on the docks of the province and the potential for job losses that it may bring.
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| Delta Port in the Vancouver area is one of two potential strike targets for Monday morning as contract negotiations between the ILWU and BCMEA appear to be stalling |
The disruption of the two sites in Vancouver will have a significant impact on container operations out of the Vancouver gateway, Monday's job action will take up to 2,000 longshore workers off the job in the Lower mainland.
There is no indication yet as to what effect the Vancouver move may have on the rest of the province including operations in Prince Rupert.
At some point however, one might imagine that allowing some ports to remain open, while others are behind picket lines may make for a change of strategy. Should no progress be found at the negotiating table in the days or weeks to come, the various terminals across the province may see a complete coast long shutdown should the dispute move forward.
As we outlined on the blog earlier this month, the ILWU negotiating team was given a strong mandate for strike action if required, with over 98 percent of the membership who cast a vote giving their approval to a walkout if the union called for one.
More notes on the ongoing labour dispute can be found from our archive page.
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