Feds and Province Announce 14-Point Plan to end Vancouver Ports dispute
March 16, 2014
Federal Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt and the British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone, along with Robin Silvester, President & Chief Executive Officer of Port Metro Vancouver, announced on March 13, 2014 a 14-point action plan to end the trucking dispute at Port Metro Vancouver. All three say the plan will help ensure truck drivers are paid fair compensation and includes rapid implementation of pilot measures to help reduce wait times at container terminals. The plan also contains the creation of an industry oversight committee.
The measures were developed after taking into account the concerns voiced by container truck owner/operators and unionized drivers and inputs received from all stakeholders, including recommendations made by Federally appointed advisor Vince Ready.
Port Metro Vancouver says that the work stoppage of the last two weeks has resulted in severe impacts on the national economy, and with the immediate implementation of the 14-point action plan, they expect an immediate and full return to work by truck drivers.
As part of the plan, and to address industry instability and concerns about undercutting agreed rates, Port Metro Vancouver will restructure its Truck Licensing System (TLS). This comes after months of consultation with industry, trucking companies and federal and provincial governments, and has benefited from the work of Vince Ready and his discussions with truck operators. Port Metro Vancouver will consult with trucking industry stakeholders, with the intent to implement reforms by June 15, 2014.
Unifor-VCTA is still reviewing the plan and will consult with its membership.
Read the 14-point action plan here
Senior leadership from Unifor and Unifor National Council 4000 have been working closely with senior representatives of CN and CNTL to alleviate the pressure that has been on our CNTL Owner Operator membership since this dispute began. The CNTL Owner Operators, who drive exclusively for CN and CNTL and haul various Intermodal containers, including to and from the ports, have a collective agreement that is in place until the end of 2014. CNTL has been threatening CNTL drivers - members of Unifor National Council 4000 and Local 4001 - with threats of layoffs or potential disciplinary measures if they refuse port work.
Unifor National Council 4000 and Local 4001 have informed our CNTL membership that we support the Unifor-VCTA membership and have asked them to respect picket lines, and if they do not wish to cross picket lines or accept port work, either as an act of solidarity or in fear of their safety and potential damages to their trucks, they should immediately inform the CNTL Driver Managers or Dispatch. If any adverse consequences should arise, they have been informed to contact their Union Representatives.
Representatives from CN Labour Relations have agreed with us and have stated verbally that no disciplinary sanctions should be imposed given the circumstances of this dispute. If there are disciplinary measures taken, the Union will submit grievances and fast track any disputes to arbitration for final and binding settlement.
Related: Port Metro Vancouver Dispute Updates page
The measures were developed after taking into account the concerns voiced by container truck owner/operators and unionized drivers and inputs received from all stakeholders, including recommendations made by Federally appointed advisor Vince Ready.
Port Metro Vancouver says that the work stoppage of the last two weeks has resulted in severe impacts on the national economy, and with the immediate implementation of the 14-point action plan, they expect an immediate and full return to work by truck drivers.
As part of the plan, and to address industry instability and concerns about undercutting agreed rates, Port Metro Vancouver will restructure its Truck Licensing System (TLS). This comes after months of consultation with industry, trucking companies and federal and provincial governments, and has benefited from the work of Vince Ready and his discussions with truck operators. Port Metro Vancouver will consult with trucking industry stakeholders, with the intent to implement reforms by June 15, 2014.
Unifor-VCTA is still reviewing the plan and will consult with its membership.
Read the 14-point action plan here
Senior leadership from Unifor and Unifor National Council 4000 have been working closely with senior representatives of CN and CNTL to alleviate the pressure that has been on our CNTL Owner Operator membership since this dispute began. The CNTL Owner Operators, who drive exclusively for CN and CNTL and haul various Intermodal containers, including to and from the ports, have a collective agreement that is in place until the end of 2014. CNTL has been threatening CNTL drivers - members of Unifor National Council 4000 and Local 4001 - with threats of layoffs or potential disciplinary measures if they refuse port work.
Unifor National Council 4000 and Local 4001 have informed our CNTL membership that we support the Unifor-VCTA membership and have asked them to respect picket lines, and if they do not wish to cross picket lines or accept port work, either as an act of solidarity or in fear of their safety and potential damages to their trucks, they should immediately inform the CNTL Driver Managers or Dispatch. If any adverse consequences should arise, they have been informed to contact their Union Representatives.
Representatives from CN Labour Relations have agreed with us and have stated verbally that no disciplinary sanctions should be imposed given the circumstances of this dispute. If there are disciplinary measures taken, the Union will submit grievances and fast track any disputes to arbitration for final and binding settlement.
Related: Port Metro Vancouver Dispute Updates page
