VANCOUVER, (July 11, 2005) — The government mediator assigned to end the two-week trucker strike in Vancouver said he’ll meet with the Vancouver Container Truck Association tomorrow to discuss a proposal made by the owner-ops.

The independent container haulers walked off the job over two weeks ago, virtually shutting down container movement at Canada’s busiest port. Over 40 percent of container freight at the Vancouver Port — worth about $30 million a day — is moved by truck.

Canadian Press reports that facilitator Vince Ready will seek clarification on the container truckers’ demands. According to a carrier and shipper representative, much of the language in the proposal is “confusing.”

Last week, the truckers submitted a proposal that 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, CP reported.

The 1,200 striking truckers also requested that the Port of Vancouver restrict access to only VCTA-member contractors.

The Vancouver Port Authority quickly responded to the proposal, saying it has no authority to accept such a proposal. “The present dispute is between the VCTA and a group of approximately 60 companies in the shipping business,” VPA stated in a pres release. “The port cannot restrict access to a particular group of truckers, as it would be discriminatory to do so.

“The port has no legal authority to establish tariffs or rates for the movement of containers, or to enforce any such arrangement. Any such action would be beyond its jurisdiction.”

However, many carriers contracting the owner-ops insist the port does have some responsibility for the labour conflict. Part of the reason port truckers are demanding more pay is due to the hours and fuel they lose at the congested port, several container carriers told TodaysTrucking.com over the last couple weeks.

In the meantime, the port remains open for business, says the VPA. Rail cargo continues to move as usual and some container trucks have been picking up and delivering containers to the port’s terminals. Approximately 40 container trucks accessed the port.

As the strike wears on, the port is focusing its efforts on ensuring that terminals remain secure and open for non-VCTA trucks wishing to make deliveries or pick-ups. There is a police presence and video surveillance at access points that are affected by the dispute, VPA says.

— with files from Canadian Press