Cargo Business Newswire

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Port Metro Vancouver truckers call for new commissioner to resign

Unifor, the union representing container truck drivers at Port Metro Vancouver, is calling for the resignation of the new container trucking commissioner due to his alleged close ties to port employers.

Andy Smith is the president of the B.C. Maritime Employer's Association, which represents and bargains on behalf of employers at the port. Smith was appointed by the B.C. government as the new container trucking commissioner earlier this month as someone with experience who could deliver stability to the sector.

Unifor objects to the appointment, asserting Smith is

the wrong choice because he's president of a group that represents management, which amounts to a conflict of interest.

"You can't be a referee and play on one of the teams," said Unifor director Gavin McGarrigle. "The issues facing truckers are just too important to have this cloud hanging over it."

Smith will oversee the truck licensing system and set the rate for drivers working the port.

For more of the CBC story: www.cbc.ca