Trucker strike costs West coast millions

The recent eruption of a Vancouver-based trucking dispute has stalled close to half of container traffic that flows in and out of the Port of Vancouver. According to a port official, this is a pricey spat that poses a price tag of approximately $30 million a day.
Almost 40% of all containerized cargo imported and exported through the port is transported by truck 60% remaining is moved by rail transit thus affecting every part of the provinces economy.
Anne McMullin, spokeswoman for the Vancouver Port Authority, explains the dispute involves 1,200 container truck owner-operators and their shipping industry employers. Weeks of failed negotiations have left truckers sitting idle, calling for higher transportation rates and a 15% surcharge to cover rising fuel prices.
Repercussions of the dispute represent the complete cessation of daily container delivery through Canada’s largest container port. Destinations including Vancouver’s Lower Mainland region and parts of British Columbia and Alberta will be effected.
Major retailers have been forced to find alternatives for import/export shipping and many are turning to the U.S. ports or rail transportation.
Current solutions, dependant upon agreement from both involved parties, include the appointment of a federal mediator.
Negotiation discussions between the VCTA and shippers continue. Stress is being heavily placed on the expediency of a resolution agreement as retailers are loosing exorbitant amounts of money.
Demands the truckers are calling for are meant to provide proper family health care coverage without the necessity of cutting costs. Cutting costs could degrade safety precautions.
In a recent statement the VCTA says that they represent operators of small businesses and as such can not stay in business when costs exceed revenue.