Looks Like BC Port Workers Back To Work

Third time was the charm in the west coast port strike, that hamstrung Canada's busiest ports for more than a month.

Late Friday, both sides announced workers ratified the offer...after turning down the previous two. There were no real specific on what was in it, just that it includes increases in wages, benefits and training. It certainly wasn't overwhelming acceptance, less than 75 percent, but the dispute is over. It escalated early last month, when the 7400 workers from Vancouver to Prince Rupert hit the bricks for 13 days. They came back to work after the first offer was made and turned down, but the uncertainly continued at the ports until this past Friday. Alberta's transportation minister made a statement on the weekend, the deal was long overdue.

Devin Dreeshen said about 50 million dollars in imports and exports a day flow from Alberta through the BC ports to countries around the world. Both of Canada's two main railways, say it could take weeks if not months to clear the backlog created by the 5 week disruption on the west coast.