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SURREY—The largest union representing truck drivers at Port Metro Vancouver has endorsed the BCNDP’s re-election effort in the 2020 provincial election.
“The John Horgan government delivered on key priorities for this complex sector,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “This isn’t a ‘one-and-done’ project. Vancouver’s ports are sophisticated portals of economic activity that require ongoing attention to ensure corrupt employers aren’t threatening the integrity of port transportation.”
The industry has struggled lately with a growing two-tier system of “off-dock” container shipping. The BCNDP government moved to study the issue and has been developing fixes with truckers.
“There is still work to do, but container truckers appreciate that John Horgan and Harry Bains have listened to the concerns of truckers,” said Paul Nagra, President of Unifor-Vancouver Container Truckers’ Association (VCTA). “The BCNDP government helped keep unethical employers at bay.”
Container truckers shut down Port Metro Vancouver for nearly four weeks in March 2014 as a result of undercutting by trucking companies and long wait times at the port. Truckers went back to work after a Joint Action Plan was signed with the Port, the BC government, and the federal government. Although the Plan was signed by the BC Liberals, Unifor says the Liberals repeatedly balked at enforcing wage rates and ensuring fairness.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews via Facetime, Zoom, or Skype please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
