Sides exchange proposals in Vancouver contract...
16 January 2009
Sides exchange proposals in Vancouver contract talks
The following was reported on in the 16 January 2009 edition of “Journal of Commerce”.
Contract negotiations continue in Vancouver between British Columbia waterfront employers and unionized ship and dock foremen at the province’s ports.
Bargainers for the British Columbia Maritime Employers’ Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 resumed talks under federal mediation Thursday after a six-day pause. In a report to members on its Web site, the BCMEA said that "the parties exchanged proposals" and will next meet Jan. 23.
Despite the apparently leisurely course, the negotiations continue under the shadow of a "cooling-off" period and either side can declare a lockout or strike on three days’ notice. The uncertainty has prompted some shipping lines to divert ships and cargo from Vancouver to Tacoma and Seattle.
The foremen oversee some 5,160 dockworkers at all B.C. ports including the major hubs for international shipping, Vancouver and Prince Rupert.