ILWU Canada members at a recent protest
The Canadian dockers’ union, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is standing up to employers Global Container Terminals (TSI).
The ITF-affiliated union is in dispute over the company’s union-busting tactics, which it believes are a clear attack on the right to collective bargaining.
The union and company had talks last week with a mediator, to try and resolve collective bargaining for a new contract.The company is looking to downgrade pensions and change working conditions. Ultimately, this would lead to lower pay and more precarious workers.
ILWU Canada had already issued a notice of dispute against the company for bargaining in bad faith. The British Columbia Maritime Employers’ Association responded by issuing a dispute notice on behalf all 16 employers on Canada’s west coast.
“We have never witnessed this kind of behaviour before,” said Tom Dufresne, ILWU Canada president. “This is classic union-busting tactics, designed to provoke our members and eliminate our right to free collective bargaining.”
“The ITF stands behind our comrades at the ILWU Canada,” said Frank Leys, dockers’ section secretary. “Freedom of association and the right of collective bargaining are basic rights, one would not expect them to be under attack in any democratic nation.”
Further meetings are set to take place from January 4 to 7, 2011.