As YVR fuel delivery workers strike, B.C. labour group declares cargo ‘hot’ [Video]

One week into a strike involving fuel delivery workers at the Vancouver airport, the B.C. Federation of Labour has declared employer SGS Canada’s fuel cargo “hot.”

With the declaration, BCFED urges all members, affiliates and supporters to “refuse to handle this cargo until the labour dispute is resolved,” the organization said in a news release Friday.

“This is an extraordinary step, and we don’t take it lightly,” said BCFED president Sussanne Skidmore, in the release.

“A hot edict sends a clear message to SGS Canada that it’s time to get serious about reaching a fair deal for these workers.”

The 11 striking employees – who transport fuel from the South Fraser Marine Terminal in Richmond to tank farms at Vancouver International Airport – joined the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 502, and have been bargaining for their first collective agreement since June. 

They walked off the job on Dec. 12.

It’s unclear whether BCFED’s “hot” declaration will …