Workers at a company responsible for testing materials destined for export from various industries in B.C.’s Port of Prince Rupert are set to go on strike starting Friday, as confirmed by their union. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505 announced on Thursday that lab and preparation technicians at SGS Minerals unanimously voted to strike, with the strike notice effective from August 14.
SGS Minerals, the minerals division of the global testing, inspection, and certification company SGS, employs four workers in Prince Rupert who conduct sample testing of materials like coal and wood pellets to determine their cargo and commercial value before shipment. Keith Cociani, President of ILWU Local 505, expressed concerns that a strike could result in samples being redirected to SGS facilities elsewhere in B.C., potentially leading to increased costs and shipment delays.
Cociani highlighted the significance of the lab in Prince Rupert, stating that shutting it down would necessitate sending samples to Vancouver or Delta for processing in their other facilities. This scenario could cause disruptions in shipping operations and escalate expenses for the company. Despite efforts by the union to negotiate a collective agreement since their certification as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024, Cociani mentioned that the employer has been unyielding on wage matters.
Following the rejection of the employer’s final offer by the workers, the B.C. Labour Relations Board intervened for mediation. However, the company did not respond to a counter-offer proposed by the union. Cociani emphasized the union’s stance on urging the company to resume negotiations and present a counter-offer rather than persisting in asking workers to lower their demands, highlighting the unity and determination of the SGS Minerals workforce.
Efforts to obtain a comment from SGS Minerals by CBC News were unsuccessful.
