Port Metro Vancouver says immediate action will be taken after what it calls the ongoing disruption to the free flow of goods to and from Lower Mainland ports.
Unionized truck drivers at Port Metro Vancouver have issued a 72-hour strike notice earlier today.
The truckers will be going on strike as early as Thursday, March 6 at noon if there is no agreement.
But, Port Metro Vancouver says they have received reports of “highly disturbing behaviour” by some protesting truckers today, including threats, intimidation and bodily harm towards “those with legitimate right to carry on the business of Lower Mainland ports.”
The port authority says it will take immediate steps to address safety and access to port facilities.
One of the measures will involve suspending about 40 permits effective immediately.
“Permits to access port properties are being immediately suspended for any identified Truck Licensing System holders whose actions have contributed to the adverse circumstances created by the withdrawal of container-related services,” said Port Metro Vancouver in a statement. “Such actions have included, but are not limited to, threatening, intimidating, or coercing and/or disrupting, impeding or preventing access to port facilities.”
United Truckers Association spokesman Manny Dosange says the accusations are false.
“Once again, it is typical mentality that Port Metro Vancouver has had toward us since we tried to resolve this before the shutdown,” says Dosange.
Dosange says he is also against suspending permits.
“The Truck Licensing System (TLS) is part of our employment. If you don’t have the TLS, you can’t work. In essence, it is unlawful dismissal.”
The vote to strike came after a work stoppage by the United Truckers Association.
The union represents about 400 truck drivers, who would join the non-union truckers who launched job action last week.
The group of around 1,000 non-unionized workers walked off the job over a number of issues, including long wait times and low rates of pay.
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