Workers at a firm conducting material testing for export industries such as mining and forestry at British Columbia’s Port of Prince Rupert have given strike notice, 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 in favor of a strike, with the notice set to take effect on August 14.
SGS Minerals, a division of the global testing, inspection, and certification company SGS, employs four workers in Prince Rupert who analyze samples like coal and wood pellets to assess cargo quality and commercial worth before shipment. Keith Cociani, president of ILWU Local 505, warned that a strike could result in samples being sent to other SGS facilities in British Columbia, potentially leading to increased expenses and shipping delays.
Cociani emphasized the significance of the Prince Rupert lab, stating that its closure would necessitate transferring samples to SGS labs in Vancouver or Delta for processing, causing disruptions and additional costs. The workers, certified as an ILWU Local 505 bargaining unit in November 2024, have been striving to secure their initial collective agreement.
Cociani criticized the employer for being inflexible on wage matters, noting that their attempt to present a final offer directly to the workers was unanimously rejected. Despite intervention from the B.C. Labour Relations Board for mediation, the company did not reciprocate the union’s counter-offer. The union urges the company to re-engage in negotiations and provide a counter-offer, rather than persist in pressuring workers to lower their demands.
Cociani expressed confidence in the determination of the SGS Minerals workforce and highlighted the employer’s underestimation of their resolve. CBC News has sought a response from SGS Minerals regarding the situation.