Negotiations between British Columbia’s 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 “the clock is ticking” given the strike mandate’s expiring date….