Sunday, January 25, 2009

Stalemate continues in port talks between BCMEA and ILWU







With the latest update from the British Columbia Marine Employers Association posted on the net on January 23rd, it would appear that the two sides have reached a bit of an impasse as no new developments were announced, nor much in the way of progress was reported from the latest discussions.
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In a very short statement posted by the BCMEA on their website, they advise that "The BCMEA provided a comprehensive response to the Union's proposals dated January 15, 2009. Notwithstanding this effort, no further progress has been made."

With the discussions of Friday reaching a standstill, the next step will be up to mediator Jim Rooney who apparently will try to find some common ground for further sessions and contact the two parties to set up further dates.

No details on what the sticking points are in the current round of talks, or if any job action is anticipated from either the union or the management side of the table.

The union website for the ILWU provided no update or background information on the current west coast port dispute.

The uncertainty over the port situation in British Columbia has been providing for some concern among port and shipping officials over potential lost container traffic to the main container terminals in the province including the Fairview Terminal in Prince Rupert.

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