By Canadian Press

Union says port workers still on the job in B.C., despite lockout notice

May 29, 2019 | 8:03 AM

VANCOUVER — The president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union says all of his members are on the job, despite a lockout notice issued by the association representing 55 waterfront employers in British Columbia.

Rob Ashton says his members have no intention of shutting the ports down, and the lockout notice, due to take effect Thursday, is the decision of the B.C. Maritime Employers Association.

He says a lockout would cover every port in British Columbia, from Vancouver to New Westminster, Vancouver Island, Prince Rupert and Stewart.

When notice was issued Tuesday, Ashton called it reckless, irresponsible and needless.

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B.C. Maritime Employers Association chairman Jeff Scott has said the decision was made after the union issued strike notice and then imposed an overtime ban at two Vancouver-area terminals, which Scott says escalated to work stoppages.

Longshore workers have been without a contract for 17 months and Scott says talks between the two sides broke off Monday, but Ashton says a mediated session is set for today. 

The Canadian Press