Trigon Pacific alleges union bad faith in Ridley Island strike
The company filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board after workers walked out Oct. 5.
Trigon Pacific Terminals has filed a complaint alleging the union representing its striking workers failed to bargain in good faith. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 523A walked off the job on Oct. 5 following a strike notice issued on Oct. 2. Trigon President and CEO Craig Olley said the union's actions left the company with no choice but to file the complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Union president Axel Skalsvik called the complaint a baseless claim by the employer.
Skalsvik said the union has complied with all legal requirements. "The union has followed every requirement under the Canada Labour Code and has made every reasonable effort to enter into a collective agreement with the employer," he said. In response, the union has filed its own complaint against Trigon. It alleges the company is using scab labour to continue production on-site, which it says violates the Canada Labour Code.
The company has not disclosed the specific issues dividing the two sides at the bargaining table. It did not say how far apart they are on wages, benefits or working conditions. Trigon stated it has continued to unload trains and load vessels during the work stoppage. It said it activated a contingency plan to maintain a base level of service for customers.
Trigon did not detail what operations have been scaled back or how many personnel are working under its contingency plan. The company also did not specify what terms would be needed to reach a new agreement and end the strike. It said it remains committed to good faith bargaining to find a fair and reasonable solution. Skalsvik said the union is seeking a fair contract that supports the terminal's continued success. Both parties stated they are willing to continue negotiations, but no date for a return to talks has been announced. Trigon operates a bulk export terminal on Ridley Island that handles coal and petroleum coke. The facility employs about 150 people, most of whom are represented by ILWU Local 523A.
With files from The Northern View