Truckers park rigs to protest slow service, low rates at Port Metro Vancouver

VANCOUVER – More than 1,000 non-unionized truckers are parking their rigs and refusing to work at Port Metro Vancouver to protest long wait times and low rates.

The withdrawal of services by members of the United Truckers Association will potentially affect operations at Vanterm in Burrard Inlet, and Deltaport and Fraser Surrey Docks, south of Vancouver.

Protests began Wednesday morning at the gates of Vanterm facility near downtown Vancouver and at a truck pullout along Highway 91 in Delta.

Members insist their rigs won’t budge until the port meets a series of demands, including resolution of the ongoing issues of rates and delays.

Association spokesman Manny Dosange says workers can no longer afford to operate.

Port Metro Vancouver says the dispute is between the truckers and their employer, and business will continue as usual during the job action. (CKNW, News1130)