Port Metro Vancouver calls for Legislated Resolution to CP Strike

VANCOUVER, May 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Port Metro Vancouver, along with its terminal operators, is disappointed that the current labour dispute between Canadian Pacific (CP) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), the union representing CP engineers, conductors and rail traffic controllers in Canada, has not been resolved.  While Port Metro Vancouver acknowledges that both sides are continuing to work towards a resolution, the pressures on the supply chain are becoming severe and the Port is calling on government for an immediate legislated solution to the dispute.

$200 million of cargo is traded through the Port of Vancouver alone every day and the stoppage will have a potential $545 million a week impact on Canada's economy.   Whether its grain and minerals from Saskatchewan, coal and forest products from Alberta, cars from Japan or forest products or manufactured goods from British Columbia, thousands of Canadian families' jobs depend on the active and efficient movement of trade through the Vancouver Gateway.

With work stoppage still in place at this time, the Port is calling on federal Minister of Labour, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, to immediately introduce the Act to provide for the continuation and resumption of rail service operations legislation and encourages all federal party leaders to support the passage of such legislation in the shortest possible order.

"The strike has already had significant economic and long-term reputational effects on the Gateway. Mines, plants and operations down the supply chain are facing shut-downs," said Port Metro Vancouver CEO Robin Silvester.  "We are disappointed that the two parties have not been able to come to a resolution without intervention from government.  As such, we are calling on the government and Minister Raitt to immediately bring the stoppage to an end by introducing the necessary legislation."

Each day of continued work stoppage of CP operations has significant consequences not only for port operations, but also the Canadian economy, and the long-term reputation of Canada's Pacific Gateway.  For each day of CP labour disruption it could take minimally four to five days for the supply chain to return to normal after the dispute.

"This strike has the potential to have a significant impact on our container carrier customers and the importers and exporters who rely on our services," said Matthew Hoag, General Manager at DP World Vancouver.

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified Port, trading $75 billion in goods annually with more than 160 trading economies, and generating 129,500 jobs nationally.

Marko Dekovic
Communications and Government Affairs, Port Metro Vancouver
604-354-0945