Union accuses port employers of refusing to negotiate, abruptly ending discussions within an hour

In a recent development in British Columbia, the union representing locked-out port workers has faced a setback in negotiations with the BC Maritime Employers Association. Despite efforts to reach a resolution through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, talks were abruptly terminated by the employers after just under an hour.

According to a statement released by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514, the employers have been unwilling to compromise and have attempted to impose unfavorable terms on the union. President Frank Morena has expressed frustration with the employers’ tactics, describing them as evasive and coercive.

Despite efforts to continue bargaining with the assistance of a federal mediator over the weekend, the employers association chose to end discussions after a mere 12 minutes. Morena has denounced the proposed concessions as inflammatory and unacceptable, highlighting the impact on shipping companies and retailers awaiting a resolution to the lockout.

In response to the breakdown in talks, the employers association has indicated that no progress was made, and no further meetings have been scheduled at this time.

This development highlights the ongoing labor dispute impacting the port workers in British Columbia and underscores the challenges faced in reaching a mutually acceptable collective agreement. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring for updates and potential interventions to address the impasse.

For the latest updates on this story and other developments in British Columbia, stay tuned to reliable news sources for further information.

Source link

Montreal Port employers present ‘final’ offer to dockworkers, warn of possible lockout

The ongoing labor dispute between the Maritime Employers Association and the Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal at the Port of Montreal has reached a critical point. The MEA has issued a final offer to the dockworkers’ union, threatening a lockout if an agreement is not reached by 9 p.m. Sunday.

The new offer from the MEA includes a significant salary increase for longshore workers, with a three per cent raise per year for four years and a 3.5 per cent raise for the two subsequent years. This offer would bring the total average compensation package for a longshore worker at the Port of Montreal to over $200,000 per year by the end of the contract.

In addition to the salary increase, the MEA is also requesting that longshore workers provide at least one hour’s notice when they will be absent from a shift, rather than the current one minute notice. This change is aimed at reducing management issues that have been impacting daily operations at the port.

The ongoing strike by the union has already paralyzed two terminals, representing 40 per cent of the port’s container handling capacity. A complete strike on overtime has also been in effect since October 10. The union is seeking the same increases granted to counterparts in other ports, as well as improvements in scheduling and work-life balance.

The potential lockout could have significant impacts on the port, which moves $400 million in goods every day. Montreal port authority CEO Julie Gascon has called for federal intervention to end the dispute, stating that negotiations at the table have not been successful and urging the government to help bring true industrial peace.

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has also expressed concern over the slow pace of talks at the ports in Montreal and British Columbia, where more than 700 unionized port workers have been locked out since November 4. He emphasized the need for urgency in resolving the disputes.

As the situation continues to unfold, both employers and employees at the Port of Montreal are facing critical decisions that will impact not only their livelihoods but also the flow of goods through one of Canada’s key ports. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving labor dispute.

This article was sourced from The Canadian Press and is dated 2024.

Source link

B.C. port lockout continues with no negotiations planned between employers and union

The ongoing lockout of over 700 unionized workers in British Columbia’s ports has caused a shutdown of shipping on the West Coast. The BC Maritime Employers Association recently made a final offer to the workers, including a 19.2% wage increase over four years. However, with no engagement with the union or federal mediators since the lockout began, the employer association is now considering reassessing their position as the shutdown continues.

It is uncertain whether the employers are contemplating a withdrawal of the offer or changes to the proposed contract terms. The union has expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on future staffing levels with the introduction of port automation. Despite ongoing labor strife, there have been no developments in the dispute overnight, leading to the closure of container cargo traffic at multiple ports in B.C.

The impact of this labor dispute is significant not just for the workers and employers involved but also for the broader economy. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both parties to come to a resolution that addresses the concerns raised while ensuring the smooth operation of the ports.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned for updates from The Canadian Press.

Source link

Ontario to raise fines for employers who engage in misconduct

Ontario Cracks Down on Bad Employers

Ontario is taking a strong stand against bad employers who exploit workers by introducing new legislation that will see increased fines for violations of the Employment Standards Act. Labour Minister David Piccini stated that the government is committed to sending a message to “bad actor” employers that there will be more severe consequences for their actions.

The new legislation aims to target organizations that fail to pay wages, penalize employees for taking pregnancy or parental leave, and enforce unequal pay for equal work. The maximum fine for individuals convicted of violating the act will be raised to $100,000 from $50,000, sending a clear message that exploiting workers will not be tolerated.

Ministry of Labour investigators will also have the authority to impose fines of $5,000 for repeat offenders, up from $1,000, with the possibility of the fines being multiplied based on the number of employees affected by the violation. This increased penalty system is designed to hold employers accountable for their actions and protect the rights of workers in Ontario.

A recent Ministry investigation uncovered that 10,000 Ontario workers are owed a cumulative total of $4.2 million, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect workers. The new fines are part of a larger labour omnibus bill that will be introduced in the legislature, which includes provisions to provide wildland firefighters with the same coverage as municipal firefighters and create a new high school apprenticeship pathway for skilled trades.

Additionally, the province will eliminate sick note requirements for short absences to reduce the workload on family doctors. This move is aimed at streamlining the process for employees who need to take time off due to illness and ensuring that they are not penalized for seeking medical care.

Overall, the new legislation signals a commitment by the Ontario government to protect workers and hold bad employers accountable for their actions. With increased fines and stricter enforcement measures, employees can feel more confident that their rights will be upheld in the workplace. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story from The Daily Commercial News.

Source link