A rally is to take place in Vancouver today as the strike at British Columbia’s ports stretches into its second week.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada says the event supporting its workers is expected to include international labour leaders who will call for a negotiated contract settlement with the BC Maritime Employers Association.
About 7,400 workers at more than 30 B.C. ports have been on strike since Canada Day over issues including pay and provisions related to maintenance work, contracting out and automation.
The two sides were back at the negotiating table Saturday, supported by federal mediators, after talks stalled on Monday.
Employers say they proposed a committee and independent arbitrator to make recommendations related to key sticking points around maintenance work, but that the union rejected the idea.
Business organizations and some politicians have publicly called for the federal government to bring in back-to-work legislation but Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has said negotiations are the way to go.
