The federal and BC governments and Port Metro Vancouver announced late a 14-point plan to resolve an ongoing strike by container-truck drivers they say has severely impacted the national economy. The port is now expected to consult with the industry and plans to implement the reforms by June 15.
Among the 14 points is a promise by the port to “commit to terminating legal actions” not related to criminal activity and rescind licence suspension that are not related to criminal activity.
The federal government said it will adjust by 10 per cent and within one month the regulated trip rates for drivers and will expedite a review of wages and fuel-surcharge rates and implement the results by mid-2015.
Trucker Strike, Vancouver
Each of the proponents of the plan have committed to doing something to bring the truckers back to work. The port has promised to make changes to its truck licensing system. The province has vowed to assist in the collective bargaining process and bring in a mediator if necessary. The plan also demands that “fuel surcharge must be paid to drivers and this will be enforced through increased provincial audits.”
Vancouver’s port moves more than $170 billion worth of goods each year. Trucks transport about half the containers that move in and out of the port. The rest are moved by rail.
reviewing the document, while for their part the more than 1,000 non-unionized truckers said at press time Friday they had not yet been contacted about this development.
In exchange for these commitments, the port and the governments expect action from the truckers: “The work stoppage of the last two weeks has resulted in severe impacts [. . .] we expect an immediate and full return to work by truck drivers.”
Trucking union representatives at Unifor said Friday morning they were reviewing the document, while for their part the more than 1,000 non-union- ized truckers said at press time Friday they had not yet been contacted about this development.
The striking truckers are not employed directly by the port. They are either independent contractors or sub-contractors working for trucking companies.
Vancouver’s port moves more than $170 billion worth of goods each year. Trucks transport about half the con- tainers that move in and out of the port. The rest are moved by rail.
The 14-points can be viewed here:
http://www.trucknews.com/news/ governments-take-action-to-endwork-stoppage-at-port-metro-vancouver/1002962215/?&er=NA