Grain terminal workers in BC issue a strike notice

The union representing grain terminal workers in British Columbia has issued a 72-hour strike notice. The Grain Workers Union (GWU) Local 333 represents about 70 grain terminal workers in the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

The GWU has been negotiating a new contract with the Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association (VTEA), but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

In addition to disagreeing over a wage increase, the union accuses the employer association of trying to change the contract to make operating on statutory holidays optional, which would remove the need for its lieu day allowances.

The two sides met with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in August but were unable to reach an agreement.

At 7 am on Saturday, 21 September, the GWU bargaining committee served VETA and the Federal Minister of Labour with a 72-hour strike notice, allowing a strike to commence at 7 am on Tuesday, 24 September 2024.

“The Union’s bargaining committee decided to issue a strike notice after the VETA invested very little effort in negotiations last week,” GWU Local 333 said in a notice to its members.

The union claims that VETA has been slow to respond to its proposals and “continues to insist” on changing lieu day entitlements.

GWU Local 333 presented VETA with a “comprehensive package” on Thursday, 19 September, but, according to the union, VETA indicated it had no counter-proposal.

“Your Union will not bargain against itself. It is VETA’s move,” GWU Local 333 told its members. “We will await their proposal if, and when, it comes, and respond accordingly.”

Union members had earlier voted unanimously in favour of strike action.