Source:  CIFFA E-Bulletin 

The BCMEA has provided the following update on the bargaining of ILWU Canada (longshore) and longshore foremen local 514.

The mandate of Mediators Huges and Rooney has been extended to July 30, 2010.  The extension will enable the mediators to prepare and submit a report to the Federal Minister of Labour by July 30, 2010. As information please see the terms of reference below as provided by the Minister of Labour when she appointed the co-mediators and faxed to the BCMEA, ILWU Canada (longshore) and longshore Foremen Local 514 on March 5, 2010:

-" to assist them in negotiating a settlement of their differences for the purpose of renewing or revising the collective agreement, which, in the interests of labour stability and the ports' success, should be for the longest possible term agreeable to both parties;"

-" if there are matters that cannot be resolved through negotiations, to assist the parties  in developing and agreeing to a dispute-resolution protocol under which all outstanding differences would be submitted to a person or body for final and binding determination"; and

- "if the parties cannot resolve their differences through negotiations nor agree to a dispute-resolution protocol, to submit a report to the Minister of Labour within ten days of the conclusion of the mediators' appointment".

Further updates will be communicated as significant events unfold.