Union representatives have announced plans to contest the Canadian government's directive to halt port disputes in Montreal, Vancouver, and Prince Rupert. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, representing supervisory longshore workers in British Columbia, intends to file a legal challenge against the minister's orders. These orders mandate binding arbitration to resolve the conflict.
Steve MacKinnon, Canada's labor minister, has tasked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) with instructing parties at ports in Quebec and Canada's West Coast to recommence operations and submit to binding arbitration for dispute resolution. MacKinnon highlighted the disputes' impact on the daily handling of US$932 million in goods, affecting shipments of canola oil and forest products, among others.
The BC Maritime Employers Association has agreed to adhere to the CIRB's instructions, promising to update its employer membership on operational changes promptly. However, union responses have been vehemently opposed to the government's decision. Frank Morena, president of ILWU Local 514, expressed intentions to contest the order legally, criticizing the federal Liberal government and employers for their stance against the ILWU and labor at large.
Similarly, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) voiced its disappointment, accusing the government of infringing on employees' constitutionally protected rights. CUPE's national president, Mark Hancock, criticized the Maritime Employers Association for locking out members and then seeking government intervention, which he believes undermines workers' fundamental rights.
The Montreal docker's representative attributed the prolonged dispute to government meddling in labor negotiations, particularly concerning work scheduling and achieving a sustainable work/life balance for employees. In response to the dispute, the BC Maritime Employers Association reported that the Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered the resumption of operations at B.C.'s ports, emphasizing the need for extensive labor across all port areas due to anticipated high cargo volumes. The association also mentioned a scheduled hearing on Nov. 18 to discuss the ministerial direction and the ongoing labor dispute further.
Source: CTV News
Source: Container News