Talks between truckers, Port break down over the weekend
Posted March 17, 2014 7:05 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It doesn’t look like the stalemate between unionized truckers and Port Metro Vancouver is ending any time soon.
Gavin McGarrigle with Unifor, the union representing the truckers, says talks that were planned for Sunday broke down before they began, because of negotiators with the Port refuse to budge.
“We then said that we had some questions that needed to be answered. We were informed those questions wouldn’t be answered until we went back to work,” he claims.
He says the Port refused clarify what he calls a vague deal offered to workers.
“We spent some time trying to get some answers and really didn’t get very far. So, at this point, our negotiators remain available at any time to negotiate a resolution. That’s where we stand,” says McGarrigle.
The labour dispute has largely focused on issues relating to pay, including the truckers’ wages and the amount of unpaid time they spend waiting for cargo at container terminals.
The strike has affected about $885 million worth of cargo and is entering its second week.
