The BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) has declared aviation fuel under the control of SGS Canada to be “hot.”
SGS Canada employees represented by International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) Local 502 are on strike. The striking workers handle the storage and delivery of aviation fuel from the South Fraser Marine Terminal to tank farms on Fergusson Road at Vancouver International Airport.
Under this declaration, the BCFED calls on its members, affiliates and supporters to refuse to handle this cargo until the labour dispute is resolved. This hot declaration does not prevent any employee from performing work which is immediately necessary for safety and environmental protection.
The BCFED’s Executive Officers unanimously passed the declaration in an emergency meeting this afternoon.
“This is an extraordinary step, and we don’t take it lightly,” said BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore. “A hot edict sends a clear message to SGS Canada that it’s time to get serious about reaching a fair deal for these workers.”
“The employer’s behaviour has been outrageous, including the use of replacement workers,” said BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Hermender Singh Kailley. “They need to see we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this union and their members.”
The ILWU 502 workers at the SGS Canada facility unload jet fuel from deep-sea vessels and transport it to the airport. They have been trying to negotiate their first contract since June without success. Their strike began on December 12.
“We’re grateful to have the solidarity of BC workers across the province. This is going to be a wake-up call for an employer that seems to think they can beat this strike by refusing to bargain in good faith,” said ILWU 502 President Al Reason. “Our members do vital work, and they deserve decent wages, fair job security and the ability to retire with dignity.”