The government is expected to introduce back to work legislation for unionized striking truck drivers tomorrow – but the effects of that won’t be known for some time.
“Our members will still be picketing and protesting,” says Gavin McGarrigle of Unifor, the union representing around 250 truckers.
“We’ll have to see what the legislation says and where it takes us…the members are very upset.”
More than 1,200 non-unionized container-truck drivers with the United Truckers Association have been on strike since February 26, refusing to work due to low pay and long delays at port terminals.
They were joined on March 10 by approximately 250 unionized truck drivers, who voted 98 per cent to strike.
MORE: Back-to-work legislation being prepared for striking Port Metro Vancouver truckers
The strike, at its peak, was said to be costing the economy almost 900 million dollars a week, though Port Metro officials say that number is improving.
However, any legislation wouldn’t affect the non-unionized truck drivers, who are still vowing to stay off the job. The federal government has threatened to remove their licenses in response; but it is unknown who would fill those licenses in the short-term.
“If they want to bring in legislation, let’s bring in legislation getting these trucking companies together as a group so we can actually sit down and negotiate,” says McGarrigle.
“Putting us back to work still leaves over 1000 people there.”
Also unknown is how the NDP will respond to any legislation. At a John Horgan rally today, NDP critic for labour Harry Bains said he isn’t sure what will happen.
“I can’t say which way it will go, but generally speaking I don’t think back to work legislation is the best way to settle disputes.”
– With files from Jill Bennett
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