VANCOUVER As a result of the CN and United Transportation Union of Canada (UTU) dispute, involving the withdrawal of services by 2,800 conductors and yard-service employees in Canada, the Port of Vancouver estimates cargo volumes are down by 50 per cent. In the 10 days since the strike began, an estimated $730 million in cargo has been held up and the situation is deteriorating.

The port reports significant losses in business as a result of the strike. Demand for port services is at an all-time high, meaning lost productive days represent business that can't be recovered. "Our customers' lost sales can't be made up, as the transportation network is fully booked for months ahead," said Captain Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).

The CN/UTU dispute is compounded by severe winter weather conditions across the transportation network, with port customers and terminals reporting significant reductions in service levels. "The timing of this dispute, in the midst of significant weather-related disruptions to the transportation chain, preys upon those who depend on the port for their livelihoods and makes the situation worse," said Houston.

Houston emphasized that port operations are being seriously impacted by the work stoppage. "Ensuring the reliability of this gateway is of paramount concern to all port stakeholders. We are encouraged by labour minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn's appointment of a mediator and his urging that the parties end the dispute within hours, not days. The port supports the government in pursuing whatever course of action is required to bring this dispute to an immediate conclusion," said Houston.
Failing a quick conclusion to the dispute, the port will take steps to minimize the disruption to customers. Illegal picketing will not be tolerated and the port will do everything possible to ensure that legal pickets do not impact those who are not party to the dispute.

Port customers and stakeholders can find updates on the port's Web site at www.portvancouver.com.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada's Flagship Port, is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading more than $53 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs in total with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output.


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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(778) 231-6978 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

For more information:
For more information on any of these stories, call 1-888 PORTVAN.
Or, send an email to:
public_affairs@portvancouver.com