<p>The Port of Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port. Container truck drivers have been on strike from the Port for three weeks, which has halted operations and delayed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of goods, according to Reuters.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">This strike is affecting distribution of goods in Western Canada, and has created a supply chain nightmare for those dependent on the port, including growers and importers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"We rely on the port for receipt and delivery of planting materials. Fortunately we carry a strong quantity of inventory to mitigate any potential transport issues including but not limited to labor issues at the port," a grower familiar with the matter tells AndNowUKnow. "Currently we have containers that have been tied-up in port for the last three weeks. Containers that have yet to arrive at the port are being re-routed, but it has caused some difficulties."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The government of British Columbia is in the process of trying to pass legislation which would force the container truck drivers who are on strike from the Port of Metro Vancouver to return to work.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The proposed legislation would only affect unionized drivers, and could come into effect as soon as Monday. Also, Port Metro Vancouver said it would reform its licensing system in order to cancel the licenses of non-union workers who did not immediate come back to work.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"These actions are necessary and are required today to protect the economy, protect jobs for British Columbians and Canadians, and keep goods and services moving across the country," the port and government said in a joint statement.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">One of the main unions involved in the dispute, Unifor, issued its own statement condemning the proposed legislation, expressing its desire to negotiate an alternative solution instead.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"Stripping workers of their right to negotiate fair working conditions is not leadership," said Jerry Dias, Unifor’s National President. "We’re actively seeking a resolution that works for everyone, but that can’t be done if the minister doesn’t take workers’ rights seriously."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Will there be a resolution soon? Stay tuned as we continue to follow future developments and their impact on the fresh produce industry.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/" target="_new"> Port of Metro Vancouver </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
