Canada waterfront talks: ITF comment

23 February 2011

Canada waterfront talks: ITF comment

ITF president and dockers’ section chair Paddy Crumlin commented today on the lack of progress in contract talks between the British Columbia Maritime Employers’ Association and the ITF-affiliated ILWU Canada.

Paddy Crumlin said: “We’re concerned to hear from ILWU Canada that despite its best efforts there has been no progress in negotiations with the BCMEA on a new collective agreement for the region’s ports.”

“This matter has been open to negotiation since the expiry of the previous collective agreement on 31 March 2010. We strongly urge the employers to take to the negotiating table in a positive and constructive way and start engaging in a dialogue that can result in an agreement acceptable to both parties. Any delay will have negative repercussions for all parties concerned.”

He concluded: “Our concern is shared by the ITF’s docker unions, and we are all watching closely to see how our sister union is treated.”

A letter from ILWU Canada president Tom Dusfrene to the BCMEA making clear the union’s availability for negotiations can be seen at http://ilwu.ca/Home.html

ENDS

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