A thousand drivers continue two week strike at Port of Vancouver - 07/14/05

By Jesse Russell

A two-week strike at the Port of Vancouver will continue, despite attempts at mediation on Wednesday. More than 1,000 drivers represented by the newly formed Vancouver Container Truckers Association are on strike demanding an increase in rates for hauling. Talks broke down with shippers saying the drivers are asking for too much. The shippers say they would be willing to increase rates by 18 percent this year followed by 10 percent next year. They claim the drivers are demanding a hike of nearly 60 percent. The Truckers Association could not be reached for confirmation. The truckers haul everything from grain to electronics and Vancouver is Canada's busiest port.