The protracted and often contentious negotiations between the International Longshore Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the BC Maritime Employers Association have ended.
In January, Business in Vancouver reported shipper concerns of an impending strike at the ports had led to cargo being diverted to rival American ports. (See “Simmering port labour unrest sending goods shipments south” – issue 1109, January 25-31.)
The two sides reached a tentative agreement April 15 that covered longshore Pacific Gateway workplaces. (See: “Longshoremen reach labour agreement with the ports” – BIV Business Today, April 18, 2011.)
ILWU Canada president Tom Dufresne said,“Collective bargaining is alive and working well at Pacific Gateway ports.”
The agreement is based on three main pillars. First, an eight-year term on the deal will provide stability to both parties.
“The interests of ILWU Canada members and the employer are aligned when it comes to having an agreement that delivers reliability and predictability in the workplace,” Dufresne said. “This is a win-win agreement.”
Second, a new program will be implemented for maternity and paternity leave, along with extended employment insurance benefits.
Finally, the agreement includes an average wage increase of 3.5% every year of the agreement and a cost of living factor starting in the sixth year that will protect ILWU members if inflation exceeds the agreed upon wage increase.
“The agreement will deliver the kind of financial stability our members need,” Dufresne said. “The employer has also agreed to pension enhancements, a benefit of great importance to ILWU members.”
Jennifer Harrison