Rob Ashton President, ILWU 514
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
180- 111 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 4C4
Dear Rob,
The Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) is writing to express our support for the ILWU and strongly disagree and oppose the Federal Minister of Labour Steven Mackinnon’s decision on binding arbitration in labour disputes at the British Columbia and Quebec ports. This decision undermines ILWU workers’ rights and the collective bargaining process.
Binding arbitration removes the ability of workers to negotiate their employment terms directly, placing power in the hands of arbitrators who may not fully grasp the unique needs of the ILWU workforce or any workforce. This approach fails to address the diverse realities of different workplaces and what’s important to your membership. Binding arbitration has a lack of transparency, which benefits the company, as well as companies often having greater influence over the arbitration proceedings.
The PPWC is happy to see the ILWU oppose this decision and advocate for the preservation of collective bargaining rights, ensuring that workers’ voices are heard and their needs met. The government has no place in collective bargaining.
In Solidarity,
Geoff Dawe
PPWC National President
