Workers at a company responsible for testing materials prior to export from various industries at the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia have issued a strike notice effective Friday, as announced by their union. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505 revealed in a statement on Thursday that lab and preparation technicians at SGS Minerals unanimously voted in favor of a strike, with the notice set to take effect on August 14. SGS Minerals, a division of the global testing, inspection, and certification company SGS, employs four workers in Prince Rupert who conduct testing on samples like coal and wood pellets to assess cargo and commercial value before shipping.
Keith Cociani, the president of ILWU Local 505, expressed concerns that a strike could lead to samples being redirected to SGS facilities in other locations in British Columbia, potentially resulting in increased costs and shipment delays. Cociani highlighted the significance of the lab’s presence in Prince Rupert, emphasizing that shutting it down would necessitate sending samples to Vancouver or Delta for processing in their alternate lab, which could disrupt shipping operations and escalate expenses for the company.
The workers, who were certified as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024, have been actively engaged in negotiations for their first collective agreement. Cociani criticized the employer for their inflexibility regarding wages, mentioning that the company attempted to bypass the union and directly present a final offer to workers, which was unanimously rejected. Despite the involvement of the B.C. Labour Relations Board for mediation, the company has not responded to the union’s counter-offer, prompting calls for the company to resume negotiations and present a counter-offer instead of pressuring workers to lower their demands.
Cociani emphasized the unity and determination of the SGS Minerals workforce, stating that the company is underestimating their resolve. CBC News has sought comment from SGS Minerals regarding the situation.