Workers at a facility in B.C.’s Port of Prince Rupert responsible for testing materials destined for export in various industries, such as mining and forestry, have issued a strike notice effective Friday, as reported by their union, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505. The technicians at SGS Minerals, a division of the global testing, inspection, and certification company SGS, unanimously voted in favor of a strike and have set the strike notice for August 14.
The four employees in Prince Rupert conduct tests on samples like coal and wood pellets to assist in determining cargo specifications and commercial value before shipment. Keith Cociani, the president of ILWU Local 505, highlighted that a potential strike could lead to samples being redirected to SGS facilities elsewhere in B.C., potentially resulting in increased costs and shipment delays.
Cociani emphasized the importance of the Prince Rupert lab, stating that shutting it down would necessitate sending all samples to Vancouver or Delta for processing in their other lab, which could disrupt shipping schedules and escalate expenses for the company. The workers, who were recognized as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024, have been working towards securing their initial collective agreement, with wage negotiations being a key point of contention.
Despite attempts at mediation by the B.C. Labour Relations Board, the company reportedly made a final offer directly to the workers, which was unanimously rejected. The union is urging the employer to return to the negotiation table and provide a counter-offer instead of insisting on reducing the workers’ demands. Cociani expressed confidence in the unity and determination of the workforce at SGS Minerals, emphasizing that the company underestimates their resolve.
Efforts to obtain a comment from SGS Minerals by CBC News have been made but remain unanswered at present.