West coast Canadian dockers sign eight-year labour contract

LONGSHOREMEN of British Columbia's ports have ratified a eight-year contract that will increase wages by 3.5 per cent a year, with provisions to offset cost of living inflation.


The contract is a first for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) whose previous deal with British Columbia Maritime Employers Association lasted three years, reported the Journal of Commerce, adding that it followed year-long negotiations since its expiry on March 31, 2010.


The longshoremen of Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports will benefit from "long overdue" paternity and maternity leave, increased employment insurance benefits and pension enhancements, said ILWU Canada president Tom Dufresne.


"For the first time, longshore workers will have the support they need as they raise their families," he added, of a contract which will create labour stability for ports promoted as the 'Pacific Gateway' for North American trade with Asia, and growing trade from the US interior.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)