ILWU 400: Save Our Sailors

The Port of Vancouver is abandoning tugboat workers.

ILWU Local 400 members have been working on tugboats at the Port of Vancouver for decades, some for generations. With their decades of experience, they know these waters better than anyone. But now, the Port of Vancouver is awarding contracts to the operator with the lowest rate—instead of the most experienced.

The Port is a federal agency and should not be run like a private business. The Port’s actions are creating a downward spiral in the tugboat industry, encouraging lower salaries and inferior benefits. This is leaving hardworking, experienced sailors struggling to put food on table in the most expensive city in Canada. It’s robbing them of the future they deserve.

We’re told the Port is good for Vancouver and Canada, but it’s sinking the futures of our tugboat workers and their families. These workers made the Port into what it is today. We have to fight back. The Port of Vancouver must change the way it awards contracts. All companies bidding to work in the Port of Vancouver must treat their workers fairly and ensure they are working under Local Industry Standards, so every worker can support their families and afford to live in their local community.We need to show those really in charge at the federal government that the Port is being mismanaged, and that interim president and CEO Victor Pang needs to change course.

Send a letter to your MP and Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez and demand they step up for tugboat workers.

Solidarity with UNITE HERE! Local 40 hotel workers

Workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport have been on strike now for five months! The hotel’s management has been cited multiple times for breaching the labour code.
Air Canada is still sending distressed passengers to the Sheraton’s neighbouring sister hotels: the Hilton Vancouver Airport and Marriott Vancouver Airport.
Workers at the Radisson Blu YVR (formerly Pacific Gateway) have been on the picket line for nearly two and a half years — ever since the hotel used the pandemic as an excuse to fire 70% of their staff, mostly women and people of colour. And the employer has admitted to more than a dozen breaches of anti-scab legislation.

Take action below — and follow UNITE HERE! Local 40 on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

28th Annual Labour Community Holiday Event

Surrey: December 22, 2023 – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Vancouver: December 23, 2023 – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

DONATION REQUEST

Each year we come together to celebrate the holidays by sharing with those in need. Over 2,000 people and families take part in this annual tradition.

We are extremely excited to announce that this year we will be having a full turkey dinner, food hampers, clothing boutique and toys in two separate areas and evenings hosted by the BC labour community.

1st Event Location: Surrey (tbc)
Event date / time – Friday December 22nd, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

2nd Event Location: Maritime Labour Centre, Vancouver
Event date / time – Saturday December 23rd, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

None of this can happen without you!

We’ll need plenty of volunteers to make this event a success, and our labour community always comes through. To take part in this vital event, get in touch with your name and contact details to bcfed-ea@bcfed.ca.

Financial contributions are also critical to the success of this annual event. Many families count on us being there. That is why we’re making this special request for your generous financial donation. Together we can provide an important community service and celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday.

Please make your cheque payable to:
Labour Community Christmas Dinner
c/o BC Federation of Labour
Suite 110-4259 Canada Way, Burnaby BC V5E 1H3

For more information, please contact Marisha at 604-308-7474 or by email at bcfed-ea@bcfed.ca.