Legislation introduced to force unionized port truckers back to work

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VANCOUVER, B.C. — The B.C. government today introduced legislation that will require unionized truck drivers serving Port Metro Vancouver to return to work.

The legislation introduced today requires a 90-day cooling off period for the 250 striking Unifor truckers impacting operations at the port.

Violating the return to work order, which could pass by Wednesday, will cost truckers $400 per day or a union or employer $10,000 per day.

The legislation does not impact non-unionized container truckers.

“This legislation is being tabled reluctantly and comes after multiple attempts over recent weeks to end the dispute and get Port Metro Vancouver back to full capacity,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. “The disruption at Canada’s largest and busiest port is impacting our economy, jobs and our trading reputation. This 90-day cooling off period will allow the parties to get back to the bargaining table while normal Port operations resume and goods get moving again.”

The port says it is committed to implementing a 14-point action plan to reduce wait times and improve efficiencies. The legislation tabled today allows the province to extend the cooling off period an additional 60 days if necessary.

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  • So now the government has to get involved!!! The truck drivers will get nowhere now. The port will not make any changes that benefit the drivers. How can they change the overpaid longshoreman? Back to work for 90 days while they bargain, i say bullshit, I HOPE THE DRIVERS NEVER GIVE UP.

  • Shame on Provincial Govt.
    Why someone would be driving his truck when he is not making any money out of it.

  • all those drivers should quit until the goverment crawls back under their rock and puts this peice of legislation in the trash where it belongs, this battle is between the port and the truckers, i to say SHAME ON THE GOVERMENT!!!

  • Even the appearance of democracy is wearing thin. Harper pro rogued parliament for his self serving purposes. Now the Nurses on the east coast are quitting rather than be legislated. Now the government is back paddling… the public support for drivers has never been so strong as now! Stand strong!