Unionized employees at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards say a strike is off the table for now after their employer made a new offer amid ongoing negotiations.
Union members, led by Boilermakers Lodge Local 191, voted 98 per cent in favour of job action last month and issued a 72-hour strike notice on March 29.
But word came from the union Monday afternoon that a new offer was being considered, and that phase one of strike action planned for Monday was suspended.
Employees had previously hoped that the overwhelming vote to strike would send a strong message to Seaspan as they argued over proposed changes to the workers’ existing collective agreement.
A Boilermakers spokesman said the proposed new agreement included the removal of a break and changes to shift lengths and weekly schedule, changes employees said were not feasible.
Prior to Seaspan’s new proposal, BC Ferries said it was monitoring the situation but doesn’t currently have any ferries at the Shipyards.
Union members will hold a ratification vote next week.
With files from CHEK’s Tess van Straaten.
CHEK News
