CONCORD, Ont. — Halifax-based Clarke Inc. has locked out about 66 unionized dock workers from a Concord, Ont. trucking terminal after the employees voted to reject a final labour contract offered by the company.

The workers, who are employed at the company’s Clarke Transport division, are part of Teamsters Local Union No. 938.

According to a company press released, the union refused the new contract this past weekend over “unresolved issues include hourly compensation rates, shift changes and use of part-time workers.” The collective bargaining agreement between the two parties expired on December 31, 2005.

“Clarke Transport cannot, at this time, determine when the lock out will end,” stated the press release. Although operations at Clarke Transport’s Concord location will be affected by the labour dispute, Clarke Transport expects to continue providing services from its other locations across Canada.”