Trigon Terminals disputes labour board ruling as strike enters sixth week

A strike by longshore workers at Trigon Terminals has entered its sixth week amid a dispute over the use of contractors for liquefied petroleum gas operations. The company issued a public statement this week defending its position and expressing disagreement with a recent labour board decision. The Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled on October 27 that Trigon could not use replacement workers. The strike by International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 523A began on October 2.

Trigon stated it never hired or directed contractors to replace its striking employees. The company said AltaGas independently retained contractors to perform LPG operations at RIPET, including rail shunting. Under its Terminal Services Agreement, Trigon said it advised AltaGas it would not authorize or facilitate the contractor arrangement. Management teams were also instructed not to engage with the contractors, according to the company.

ILWU 523A president Axel Salsvik said the company had a responsibility to prevent contractors from accessing its site. "The agreement requires written approval for individuals entering Trigon's property and argues the company had a responsibility to prevent contractors from accessing its site and rail infrastructure," Salsvik said. The union does not dispute that managers were told not to engage with the contractors. However, it argues this direction contradicted the company's own security standards and its agreement with AltaGas.

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The Canada Industrial Relations Board found Trigon contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors to perform bargaining unit work. The board acknowledged Trigon's notifications to AltaGas opposing the contractor use. Despite this, the board found Trigon did not prevent the contractors from performing LPG duties at its terminal. The arrangement provided Trigon with a direct operational benefit by freeing its own staff to focus on coal operations.

Trigon acknowledged the board later determined it needed to take additional steps to block the contractors. "While Trigon has disagreed with aspects of that decision, we have taken steps required to comply with the CIRB's order," the company stated. AltaGas's 2025 annual report confirms a 2019 Terminal Services Agreement formalized access to Trigon's facilities for RIPET operations. Trigon declined to release sections of that agreement, citing its confidential commercial nature.

A publicly available copy of Trigon's Rules and Regulations states individuals must present a valid port pass for access. "Individuals must present a valid Port Pass identification card and provide a business reason for access," the rules state. The rules also say any user's right to access is subject to the company's prior approval. Federal Marine Transportation Security Regulations also require marine facilities to maintain access control procedures.

Publicly available documents do not establish whether the contractors had individual authorization or what passes they held. It is also unclear if the confidential agreement required written approval for access. Trigon maintains its priorities are the safety and security of its terminal and compliance with legal obligations. Both sides have stated they remain ready to return to the bargaining table.

With files from The Northern View and Fort St. James Caledonia Courier