MONTREAL — Cargo containers have started to move from the Port of Vancouver for the first time since June 27 after 1,000 striking independent truckers accepted a 90-day return-to-work agreement.
As part of the agreement, the port will require trucking companies to display temporary operating licenses stating they will adhere to compensation provisions proposed by a mediator while a government task force seeks a permanent agreement.
The truckers walked out because they demanded higher per job rates to compensate for increased fuel costs. Trucking companies have been undercutting each other for contracts, and some drivers said they are paid as little as $50 a day.
The strike stalled $615 million worth of goods in Vancouver, including huge shipments of imported clothing from Asia, and cost the Canadian economy an estimated $310 million in lost business, according to the Retail Council of Canada.
“I’m finally going to get my cargo, but it’s three to four weeks late,” said wholesaler Dino Galante, who owns YS Blu in Montreal and estimated he has $410,000 worth of women’s clothing from Asia sitting in Vancouver. “And it will still take time to clear out the backlog at the port.”
Although none of his 220 independent customers and 20 major stores across Canada abandoned him, Galante said he will probably have to take some markdowns to compensate for late deliveries. In addition, he said he might bring future shipments in through Seattle or Portland, Ore., where some vessels were diverted during the six-week strike.