B.C. port dispute: Union files complaint alleging ‘threats, intimidation’ by employer [Video]

The labour dispute holding up hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of goods per day at B.C.’s ports is escalating, with the foreperson’s union accusing their employer of “threats, intimidation, coercion and interference.”

The allegations were submitted in an unfair labour practice complaint the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 filed against the B.C. Maritime Employers Association.

The union has been quiet since a limited job action launched Monday was met with a full lockout by the employer, but issued a public statement Thursday claiming the BCMEA sent a letter directly to members warning of repercussions if a “final offer” presented last week is rejected.

“The BCMEA has threatened to pull existing terms and conditions out of our last collective agreement and has communicated those threats directly to our members instead of following Canada Labour Code rules to negotiate with the union,” said Frank Morena, Local 514 president, in …