VANCOUVER — British Columbia's port employers say they have presented a "final offer" to the union representing foremen in negotiations aimed at avoiding a labour disruption.
The BC Maritime Employers Association says in a release that it believes the offer can "conclude negotiations in a manner that serves the best interest" of all parties involved.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 has not responded to the employer's statement on the latest offer, which was presented on Wednesday.
Both sides confirmed earlier in the day that talks are ongoing with the help of federal mediation services.
The current negotiation session began on Oct. 29 and could be extended by two days, if necessary.
The union, which represents about 700 foremen at the ports, has said if talks break down it has a mandate from members to strike that expires on Nov. 2.
No job action has taken place and no notices of strike or lockout have been issued, but Local 514 president Frank Morena has said "the clock is ticking" given the strike mandate's expiring date.
Negotiations began last year after the last contract expired in March 2023.
The union said in September that members voted 96 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action if necessary.
The dispute has been centred around one employer, DP World, and its manpower requirements as it relates to automation.
The union has said it had "no interest in an industry-wide dispute" because it wanted to negotiate with DP World directly, but the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the union can't bargain with one employer alone.
The union said that ruling prompted members to take an industry-wide vote on a strike mandate.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board also ruled earlier this month on complaints from both sides alleging negotiating in bad faith, dismissing the union's claim, while partly agreeing with the employers' complaint.
Vancouver's port — the largest in Canada — has seen a number of recent disruptions, including in September when workers set up pickets at six Metro Vancouver grain terminals.
A month before that, port operations were disrupted by work stoppages at both major Canadian railways.
A 13-day port workers strike last year froze billions in trade at the docks.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2024.
Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press
