VANCOUVER, (July 13, 2005) — A group of western shippers fears a three-week container truckers’ strike will damage the reputation of Canada’s busiest port and is calling on B.C.’s Solicitor General to crack-down on “militant independent truck drivers.”

Western Canadian Shippers Coalition (WCSC) Chair Ian May is asking Solicitor General John Les to take swift action in identifying and prosecuting owner-ops who are resorting to violence as a strike tactic.

There have been reports of violence and vandalism by a handful of the 1,200 independent container haulers that went on strike at the Port of Vancouver in late June. The drivers, represented by the Vancouver Container Truck Association, are protesting low wages, lack of benefits, and port congestion.

“Business leaders are urging government to do everything in its power to halt the illegal activities connected with the strike by independent truckers,” said May. “This strike, entering its third week, is killing jobs and these tactics are killing our reputation as a place to do business.”

May added that work disruptions, particularly violent ones, send a negative message to trading partners in worldwide markets “who already believe we have a shaky track record.” The port has experienced — either directly or indirectly — a series of labour conflicts over the last couple years, including a CN rail strike and a recent tug and barge operator strike at B.C. Ferries Corp.

“Job action is a tool that must be used responsibly. If there can’t be good faith negotiations within the letter of the law, our members will be forced to look elsewhere for their trucking needs,” May warned. “The truckers have made their point, we call on them to return to the bargaining table with a reasonable position and get back to work while talks take place.”

Yesterday, government-appointed mediator Vince Ready met with carriers, shippers, and the VCTA in an attempt too clarify a proposal submitted by the trucker group this past weekend. The proposal includes a minimum of $75 per hour pay, a maximum 10-hour workday, a 15 percent fuel surcharge, and the creation of a third-party inquiry to resolve any outstanding issues.

There’s been no word yet if Ready has been able to facilitate a deal based on yesterday’s meetings.

The WCSC is made up of several other industry associations, including the Alberta Forest Products Shippers Association, the Canadian Forest Products Corporation, the Canadian Wheat Board, and Marsulex Inc. among others.