Workers at a facility in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, responsible for testing materials destined for export from various industries have given notice of an impending strike, as confirmed by their union, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505. The lab and preparation technicians at SGS Minerals, a division of the global testing company SGS, voted unanimously in favor of a strike and have set the strike to commence on August 14.
The workers based in Prince Rupert are tasked with testing samples, such as coal and wood pellets, to assist in determining the cargo’s quality and commercial worth before shipment. Keith Cociani, the president of ILWU Local 505, cautioned that a potential strike could result in samples needing to be sent to SGS facilities in other parts of British Columbia, possibly leading to increased expenses and shipping delays.
Cociani emphasized the significance of the lab’s operations in Prince Rupert, stating that shutting it down would necessitate relocating all samples to Vancouver or Delta for processing in their alternative lab facilities, which could disrupt shipping schedules and escalate costs for the company.
The workers at SGS Minerals in Prince Rupert were officially recognized as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024 and have been engaged in negotiations for their initial collective agreement since then. Cociani highlighted that the employer’s inflexibility regarding wages has been a major point of contention, with the company attempting to present a final offer directly to the workers, which was unanimously rejected. Despite efforts by the B.C. Labour Relations Board to mediate discussions, the company has not responded to the union’s counter-offer.
Cociani urged the company to re-engage in negotiations and provide a counter-offer instead of persisting in asking workers to lower their demands. He expressed confidence in the workforce’s determination at SGS Minerals, stressing that the company should not underestimate their resolve.
SGS Minerals has been contacted for a statement by CBC News regarding the impending strike action.