Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) is not happy with the proposals given by Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) regarding the new collective agreement.
According to SIU’s President, Jim Given, other than some items on safety that both parties could agree on, and some non-monetary issues, the proposals in the agreement offer nothing “but cuts and more cuts, deep cuts.”
“For history sake I started in the SIU in 1979 and I dare say these proposals are an attempt to set us back to this date or before. The lack of respect shown to you in these 32 pages is shameful,” Given said in a statement.
Negotiations on the proposals for the new contract between the union and CSL will commence on June 1 and are expected to last for three days.
“We are professionals, and as such we will meet with CSL on June 1 and deliver your message, a message that says no to cuts and says clearly we are united and we will fight for what we have. Times may be tough, but I don’t think we have ever been as strong as we are now. Over the past couple of years we have forged ahead and won some battles and this one will be no different,” Given added, calling union members to stay strong and unified.
The union president further said that even though the proposals may be a reason for great concern, the union has not agreed to any of the items, voicing hope that in light of the recent developments CSL would be willing to negotiate in good faith.
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