Mediator summoned to settle B.C. marine dispute; strike continues

VANCOUVER, (April 20, 2004) — A federal mediator has been appointed to help end a five-day strike by towboat workers and pilots at B.C.’s coast.

The strike has stalled shipping operations at the Port of Vancouver and other terminals, with the coal mining and forestry sectors that depend of barge and log-clearing tugboat services, taking the hardest hit.

Labor Minister Claudette Bradshaw urged both parties to make all reasonable efforts to reach a contract agreement without delay. About 800 tug and barge operators went on strike last Thursday after the failure of contract negotiations with the Council of Marine Carriers. The Canadian Merchant Guild representing the workers is seeking a package of wage increases and health benefits totalling about 16 per cent over three years, while the council is offering about 13.75 per cent.

As Today’s Trucking reported yesterday, the increase in sailings announced by B.C. Ferries helped keep cargo shipments to Vancouver Island somewhat stable. However, with tugboats and pilot services refusing to escort cargo vessels in and out of ports, containers for export began piling at the mouth of shipping docks — creating logistical troubles for carriers handling containers. Meanwhile, some in-coming vessels at various ports have been diverted to Seattle.

Only one of the four major ports — Centerm — is functioning near normal because it employs a separate tug service provider, Tiger Tugs Inc., which is not part of the contract negotiations.