B.C. port workers’ strike sparking mixed reactions from officials

As port workers across B.C. continue to strike, officials are weighing in with mixed reactions on whether the federal government should intervene in the situation.

The association representing employers in an ongoing strike at B.C. ports says it doesn’t think more bargaining is going to produce a collective agreement.

The BC Maritime Employers Association released a statement saying it has gone as far as possible on core issues.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, representing thousands of workers who load and unload cargo at terminals at more than 30 B.C. ports, went on strike on July 1.

Both sides were at the negotiation table Monday and there has yet to be a resolution.

B.C. port town mayors weigh in 

Meanwhile, the mayors of two port towns are weighing in on the negotiation process.

Mayor of Prince Rupert Herb Pond says having the port “saved our town.”

Prince Rupert is home to Canada’s third largest port, and Pond says when it first opened it saved the community.

He explains the city was reeling from the closure of a pulp mill and the decline of the local fishing industry.

“The creation of the container terminal back in 2007 really saved the community. I’m just with them. If they’re prepared to be on the line — then I’m prepared to wait it out with them,” Pond said.

“We’ve pushed hard to get a container terminal in Prince Rupert, and since it opened, the men and women who go to work every day at that facility have just done such an amazing job that the terminal is growing like mad. They’ve saved our town, so I’m with them,” said Pond.

While Pond says he doesn’t want federal interference, he is adamant about the noticeable impacts the strike has already had on the thousands of people living in the town.

“Unfortunately, some of the port workers have already been hurt by supply chain disruptions which have caused them to get less hours than they would have expected. If this drags on, I imagine it could be very difficult for families,” Pond said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Nanaimo, Leonard Krog, is calling for a quick resolution to the strike.

“As a matter of principle, I don’t like to see governments legislate workers back to work, except in extreme circumstances, and that’s a judgment call each and every time. Having said that, I’m optimistic and hopeful that they will come to a conclusion quickly,” Krog said.

Government intervention called for by Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Robin Guy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says it is crucial that the federal government reconvene parliament and enact back-to-work legislation.

“This is massive. It’s not just something that is affecting British Columbia, this is something that affects the whole of Canada,” Guy said.

“We obviously would love for a deal to be struck at the table, but just given how serious of an issue this is, we think the government needs to intervene and bring some stability back to our supply chain.”

Related articles: 

• Thousands of B.C. port workers on strike

• B.C. port workers’ strike could cost Canadian economy billions of dollars

• B.C. port strike could have big impact on Canadian economy, expert warns

Business groups across Canada have sounded the alarm about the potential economic impact of this strike, as an estimated $5.5 billion could be lost if it drags on for a week, according to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“I think one day is one day too many, to be honest with you. Businesses need that certainty when they’re trying to get their goods to market or trying to get goods from market to Canada, and obviously, they can’t rely on the uncertainty. This has been something that I think Canadian businesses have been affected by already,” said Guy.

The federal government has said it is not looking past the bargaining table, noting that’s where the best deals are made.

With files from The Canadian Press and Emily Marsten