Agri-food groups say Port of Vancouver truckers strike hurting export reputation

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A worker walks past cargo containers at Port Metro Vancouver in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday March 13, 2014. More than 1,000 container-truck drivers have been on strike since February 26, refusing to work due to low pay and long delays at port terminals. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER – Agri-food industry groups say they are worried that a truckers strike affecting Vancouver’s port could spoil some shipments and hurt Canada’s reputation as a reliable exporter.

Earlier this week, unionized truckers parked their rigs to back pay demands and joined non-union truckers who walked off the job last month.

Ron Davidson of the Canadian Meat Council says more than 543,000 tonnes of meat, poultry and fish were shipped through the port to customers around the world last year.

He says some exports are fresh-chilled products that must make it to markets within short time frames.

Pulse Canada, which represents the $2.7-billion pea, lentil, bean and chickpea industry, says the disruption is undermining Canada’s reputation as a consistent supplier.

Both groups say they want the dispute to be resolved quickly, but they have not asked the B.C. or federal governments to take any specific action.

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