Negotiations between British Columbia91裸聊视频檚 port employers and the union representing foremen are entering a final scheduled day in a bid to avoid a labour disruption.
Both the BC Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 confirm talks are ongoing with the help of federal mediation services.
The current negotiation session began on Oct. 29 and was said to be extendable by two days, if necessary.
The union, which represents about 700 foremen at the ports, has said if talks break down it has a mandate from members to strike that expires on Nov. 2.
No job action has taken place and no notices of strike or lockout have been issued, but Local 514 president Frank Morena has said 91裸聊视频渢he clock is ticking91裸聊视频� given the strike mandate91裸聊视频檚 expiring date.
Negotiations began last year after the last contract expired in March 2023.
The union said in September that members voted 96 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action if necessary.
The dispute has been centred around one employer, DP World, and its manpower requirements as it relates to automation.
The union has said it had 91裸聊视频渘o interest in an industry-wide dispute91裸聊视频� because it wanted to negotiate with DP World directly, but the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the union can91裸聊视频檛 bargain with one employer alone.
The union said that ruling prompted members to take an industry-wide vote on a strike mandate.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board also ruled earlier this month on complaints from both sides alleging negotiating in bad faith, dismissing the union91裸聊视频檚 claim, while partly agreeing with the employers91裸聊视频� complaint.
Vancouver91裸聊视频檚 port 91裸聊视频� the largest in Canada 91裸聊视频� has seen a number of recent disruptions, including in September when workers set up pickets at six Metro Vancouver grain terminals.
A month before that, port operations were disrupted by work stoppages at both major Canadian railways.
A 13-day port workers strike last year froze billions in trade at the docks.
