Workers at a facility in B.C.’s Port of Prince Rupert responsible for testing materials destined for export from various industries have given notice of an impending strike, as per their union, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505. The strike notice, effective starting Friday, follows a unanimous vote by lab and preparation technicians at SGS Minerals, a division of the global testing and certification company SGS.
The four workers in Prince Rupert conduct tests on samples, such as coal and wood pellets, to assist in determining the cargo’s quality and commercial worth before shipment. Keith Cociani, the president of ILWU Local 505, warned that a strike could result in the relocation of samples to SGS facilities in other parts of B.C., potentially leading to increased expenses and shipment delays.
Cociani emphasized the importance of the Prince Rupert lab, stating that its closure would necessitate sending all samples to labs in Vancouver or Delta for processing, causing disruptions and additional costs. The workers, certified as a bargaining unit in November 2024, have been striving to secure their initial collective agreement amid disputes over wages.
The union leader accused the employer of being inflexible regarding wage negotiations, citing a failed attempt to bypass the union and directly present an offer to the workers, which was unanimously rejected. Despite mediation efforts by the B.C. Labour Relations Board, the company allegedly did not engage with the union’s counter-offer.
Cociani urged SGS Minerals to resume negotiations and present a counter-offer instead of pressuring workers to lower their demands. He expressed confidence in the unity and determination of the workforce at SGS Minerals, stating that the company is underestimating their resolve.
CBC News has sought a response from SGS Minerals regarding the situation.
