Possible Vancouver Tug Strike – Update
Tug company operator Seaspan and GUILD (the union representing captains, mates and engineers) have agreed to enter blind arbitration. GAC reported in its daily Hot Port News report. Seaspan will defer the imposition of new terms and GUILD will not take a strike vote.
The situation is different, however, with the International Longshoremen Workers' Union (ILWU) representing deckhand and cook. Seaspan has withdrawn the contract imposition.
The ILWU, which had voted in favor of strike action, has suspended further action. The union has not agreed to blind arbitration. The ILWU is now in a position to serve strike notice, which could shut down Seaspan tug services by 8 June.
gac.com