Truckers at Vancouver port agree to $46 an hour, go back to work today

VANCOUVER (Aug. 23, 1999) — Truckers picketing at the Port of Vancouver voted in favor of a deal that will see them paid an hourly wage beginning Oct. 1, the Associated Press reports.

About 88% of Vancouver truckers approved the deal that will pay them $46 an hour instead of a flat rate paid for each container handled. About 20 of the 50 trucking companies operating on Vancouver’s waterfront have approved the deal, representing about 85% of the truckers.

The deal is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, when truckers at the port will begin to receive $46 an hour. It increases to $48 an hour by next June and $50 in March 2001.

Drayage owner-operators withdrew their services July 22, halting much of the container movement on the port.The drivers said the flat rate system didn’t pay enough for them to maintain their vehicles.

Trucking companies said an hourly rate system was too costly and would lead to a loss of control over productivity.

The dispute has cost the industry an estimated $53 million because thousands of containers sat idle on the docks.