Media Advisory - Mass meeting set for container truckers to discuss new licencing rules

SURREY, BC, Oct. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - Metro Vancouver's container truck drivers will be meeting to discuss sweeping changes to licencing and regulations introduced by the BC government this month.

"As a result of the Joint Action Plan and continuing pressure from truck drivers to see it fully implemented, the government is finally taking steps to overhaul the port trucking sector," said Paul Johal, President of Unifor-Vancouver Container Truckers' Association (VCTA). "Drivers are meeting to discuss changes that will impact their livelihood and plan for further coordination to ensure the government lives up to its promises."

					WHAT:	Container truckers mass general meeting
					WHEN:	Sunday, November 2 at 11 a.m.
					WHERE:	Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 135 Street, Surrey, BC
					WHO:	Union and non-union container truck drivers

The drivers will discuss the transition program for the new Truck Licensing System (TLS), Vince Ready & Corin Bell's recommendations to the BC government, BC Bill 5 (Container Trucking Act), and the implementation of the 14-Point Joint Action Plan.

Container truckers shut down Port Metro Vancouver for nearly four weeks in March 2014 as a result of undercutting by trucking companies and long wait times at the Port. Drivers agreed to return to the job after a "Joint Action Plan" was negotiated by the federal government, the provincial government, truck drivers, and Port Metro Vancouver.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. Unifor works to protect its members and play a leadership role in building thriving, safe workplaces and a strong economy so all workers in Canada have a good job, a decent standard of living and greater equality.

SOURCE: Unifor

For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]