First general meeting of 2022 aims to continue momentum after recent breakthroughs

THIS past weekend, the United Truckers Association (UTA) gathered for its first meeting of 2022 following huge successes achieved on off-dock enforcement and the delay of the Port of Vancouver rolling truck-age program. There were over 500 truckers in attendance.

The focus of the meeting was the 2014 Joint Action Plan, which was signed by the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the Port of Vancouver to end the region’s last major labour dispute. However, the three signatories have yet to live up to all of their commitments.

The final piece of fixing Metro Vancouver’s drayage industry lies within that document, according to Gagan Singh, spokesperson for the UTA.

“While we are pleased with the progress that is being made by the Commissioner on illegal off-duck enforcement, there are still a number of problems from 2014 which continue to victimize drivers,” said Singh. “The meeting was a launch for our next campaign to ensure that these proposals are lived up to, and that the UTA acts as a cooperative partner in that process.”

That being said, the UTA said it was extremely disappointed by the decision from the BC NDP governing caucus to snub the meeting and send no representatives. UTA members were left thinking that the provincial government has more important priorities than pandemic essential workers like truckers.

The UTA noted that by contrast, the presence of MPs Sukh Dhaliwal and Parm Bains on behalf of the Government of Canada was a welcome sign for the future. Unfortunately, the Port of Vancouver continues to ignore UTA meeting invites, which is a trend that has spanned several years.

The UTA agenda discussed the idea of introducing a company drivers’ registry and overtime within the BC Container Trucking Act. The impacts of out of control fuel costs were also an important topic of discussion.

Without the engagement of all three entities on fulfillment, the UTA says it might be forced to pursue legal options surrounding the agreement.

“The labour disruption in 2014 seems to have ended as a result of false pretenses if we judge the performance of the all three of the other signatories,” said Singh. “We will continue to reach out to all as an industry partner working towards taking the necessary steps forward for long-term labour stability, efficiency and growth.”