Port to truckers: Let’s get back to work

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VANCOUVER, B.C. — The head of Port Metro Vancouver says the port is implementing a 14-point plant to improve working conditions there and that truck drivers should report to work immediately.

“We are ready to move ahead with the 14-point joint action plan released on Thursday, March 13,” said Robin Silvester, president and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver. “The goal is simple, to get Port Metro Vancouver back to full operations. The action plan was facilitated by both Transport Canada and British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. It addresses concerns raised by truckers in areas such as compensation and wait times, and is a means to get port operations back to normal.”

The port issued a statement Sunday night saying that once the port returns to full operations, the complete action plan will be implemented.

“The efficient movement of marine containers through Port Metro Vancouver is critical to Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway and Canada’s economy,” added Silvester. “Truckers have Port Metro Vancouver issued permits that allow them, through trucking companies, to provide service to terminals at the port. A continued refusal by some truckers to provide such service is likely to result in suspension or termination of their permits by Port Metro Vancouver.”

The 14-point joint action plan can be read here.

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  • 14 points of what? Looks like another document thats full of B.S. to try and get drivers back to work. Hope they read between the lines. From my point of view its only a start and they should offer more. In my opinion this says come back to work but we are changing sweet F all.

  • Hi- The drivers created this challenge by “cutting” rates years ago and now as an organized group want compensation. The Port Authority should purchase there own equipment and hire “Professional” operators and this problem would be solved!

  • The truckers will just get other jobs unless the fed. gov. steps up and set fair rate of pay to these truckers

  • Hi- I rode in a Taxi today and this truckers dilemma became a topic of discussion with a Seik Indian operator.He spoke of being in the Security business and his people “cut” the rates so low their was no profit margin left to operate and accommodate reasonable wages.He mentioned this Port truckers strike was typical of Indian business strategy.He was an Intelligent man and I respected his opinion.

  • The port should hire drivers that would be a good idea. Than they would have to be in the union. Than they would be paid over $30.00 dollars an hour. So i guess it will never happen.