Workers at a firm in B.C.’s Port of Prince Rupert, responsible for testing materials from various industries such as mining and forestry for export, have given strike notice starting Friday, as confirmed by their union. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 505 announced that lab and preparation technicians at SGS Minerals voted unanimously in favor of a strike and have officially issued the notice effective 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, including coal and wood pellets, to assist in determining cargo specifications and commercial value before shipment. Keith Cociani, the president of ILWU Local 505, expressed concerns that a strike could result in samples needing to be sent to SGS facilities in other locations in B.C., potentially leading to increased costs and shipment delays.
Cociani highlighted the potential consequences, stating, “If we close this lab, operations cease. All samples would have to be transported to Vancouver or Delta for processing in their alternative lab, leading to delays, higher expenses, and possible shipping disruptions. There is a rationale behind having this laboratory in Prince Rupert.”
The workers, who were certified as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024, have been striving to negotiate their initial collective agreement. Cociani mentioned that the employer’s inflexibility regarding wages has been a major hurdle. Despite attempts by the company to present a final offer and conduct a worker referendum, the offer was unanimously rejected. Mediation by the B.C. Labour Relations Board was initiated, but the company failed to respond to the union’s counter-offer.
The union is urging the company to re-engage in negotiations and provide a counter-offer instead of persisting in asking workers to lower their demands. Cociani emphasized, “They are adopting a tough stance with a small group of employees. I believe they underestimate the determination and unity of our workforce at SGS Minerals.”
CBC News has attempted to contact SGS Minerals for their input on the situation.