Members of Seaspan Coastal Intermodal have voted to accept a new three year contract with the Company. The negotiations were quite long but after diligent work by the S.I.U. Negotiating Committee members we came to an agreement. The major concerns were term and wages. The two parties came to an early agreement on wages but SCIC wanted a longer term than the members felt comfortable with, given the present economic uncertainty. Once SCIC offered the same wages with a shorter term, the committee members recommended the deal.

This new agreement gives us time to let the economy stabilize before we go back to the table. Committee members Steve Good, Ian Carlisle, Ken Carlson and Glen Steel should be commended for their time and effort in this lengthy set of negotiations.

FRPD Negotiations Go To Conciliation

After months of talks with no progress the S.I.U. has filed for conciliation with Fraser River Pile and Dredge. In the beginning both the S.I.U. and FRPD came to quick agreements on topics of hours of work, safety concerns and benefits. The stalling point began during discussions on wages. The S.I.U. asked for the industry standard already established by the officers during their negotiations, but the answer we got was not what we wanted to hear. With the economic fall, FRPD felt it was ideal to offer a lower percentage increase than standard and the S.I.U. members refused the Company’s offer. Our members deserve the same increases as their fellow shipmates as has been the practise in the past and should not be short changed. We will keep members updated on our progress.

NTCL Season Begins

The S.I.U. was able to make it north for a contact with S.I.U. members during fit-out this year. With contract talks set for the end of 2009 we wanted to meet with members and discuss the difficult task ahead. There was a solid turn out for the meeting and many topics of concern were brought forward.

With the slow start of this season members felt it was important to solidify our jobs and wages for the upcoming years. Thank you to those members that took part in the meeting and we will attempt to hold a similar meeting for our members during lay-up. With tough talks going on right now with NTCL Eastern Division we can expect the same with the West. Proposals will continue to be accepted throughout the season and into the month of December. Needless to say, a work stoppage is on the horizon.

Keith Cociani has accepted the position of Union Delegate for NTCL. We thank Keith for dedicating his time to help fellow members with issues that may arise during the season.

The S.I.U. is trying to keep informed of the progress of the ocean going barge that is to service the western arctic communities this season. Last we heard the new tug was docked in Singapore and no plans were made to have another tug make the tow north. We will stay on top of this and make sure S.I.U. crews have an integral role in moving this cargo.

Around the Port

It is with great sadness the S.I.U. has learned of the passing of long time member Sandra Hoag. Sandra joined the S.I.U. in 1970; she will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her.

Congratulations to those members at Cates, Ben Gehrke, Marshall Brown, Cole McMillan and Matt Kilner for completing their Mates and Masters upgrading at BCIT.