Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP worried after port worker binding arbitration

The binding arbitration imposed on port workers yesterday (Tuesday) is raising concerns for Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach.

“I think it’s going to send a message to the big companies that they don’t need to negotiate in good faith with their workers,” he said.

On October 31st, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union issued its 72-hour strike notice and were later locked out by the BC Maritime Employers Association last Monday. (Nov. 4)

“That essentially shut down operation of the ports in BC as well as ports in Quebec and it’s a really concerning situation,” said Bachrach.

“What’s happened is that the employer had demonstrated it’s not willing to negotiate in good faith with its workers.”

He added with the binding arbitration, “it forces those workers back to work and overrides their right to collective bargaining.”

This is the second time this year the government used binding arbitration to end a lockout, the previous happening in August with the railway dispute.

Bachrach hopes it isn’t used a third time with the Canada Post strike.

“It’s another situation where the government has an opportunity to uphold labour rights and encourage the employer to stay at the table and bargain in good faith with workers,” he said.

Friday is the earliest postal workers can go on strike.

After binding arbitration is enacted, an arbitrator goes over previous negotiations and creates new contact terms for both parties.

“That’s not the way labour negotiations are meant to happen in Canada. The best deals are negotiated in good faith at the table, and we believe workers’ rights should be upheld,” said Bachrach.