Port Metro Vancouver Truckers On Strike
Transportation Industry February 28, 2014
This will Affect Suppliers and Retailers Alike
A labour dispute at Port Metro Vancouver may cause disruptions that will affect retailers and suppliers alike across the country.
About 1,200 independent truckers who transport cargo into and out of Vancouver's 3 main ports began a strike Wednesday morning. Apparently they're upset about low hauling fees and money-losing wait times at the busy port.
The non-unionized drivers claim that Port Metro Vancouver needs to streamline its operations to reduce waiting times or pay them an hourly rate while they sit idle until their container is loaded.
From conversations our employees have had with people at the port, it’s definitely causing line ups and major disruptions already on the docks. Apparently the domino effect is the boats are going to be waiting at sea until they can find room and a berth to put them through.
I have already talked with a couple of mass retail customers who are waiting on containers. This is effecting their ability to fulfill orders for displays that they have with major retailers.
Unfortunately nobody wins in a strike like this.... retailers, suppliers, the truckers, the port and most of all, the consumer, suffer. Hopefully they'll straighten this out soon as Our livelihoods depend on it.
