Tugboat crews vote to strike

There could be another group walking the picket lines soon.

More than 100 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 400, voted unanimously to strike this morning. The tugboat crews, employed by Seaspan, are upset the company wants to impose 46 contractual changes next week.

In a statement, union president Terry Engler called Seaspan dictatorial and said the contract was ridiculous. He said the union has never been on strike since it was formed in 1956. Unless the company backs down from its position, Engler says the union will give the required 72 hour strike notice and prepare for a full walkout on June 9 – Seaspan’s deadline.

According to Capt. Mike Armstrong, president of the western branch of the Canadian Merchant Service Guild, Seaspan is also threatening contract changes on its members, and they’re set to vote on the matter Wednesday. The job action would likely impact operations at Port Metro Vancouver, Deltaport and other ports in B.C., including affecting container ships and the transportation of oil by tankers and barges.