Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, congratulated SMIT Harbour Towage Vancouver Inc. and the Canadian Merchant Service Guild on reaching a collective agreement for guild members working at Port Metro Vancouver.

The agreement was reached with assistance from the Labour Program’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which provides dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the Canada Labour Code.

Quick Facts

• SMIT Harbour Towage Vancouver Inc. provides towage and escorting assistance at Port Metro Vancouver to incoming and outgoing tankers and container ships.
• The previous collective agreement, which covers approximately 27 employees working on the vessels as masters, mates and engineers, expired on March 31, 2011.

Quote

“I am very pleased that SMIT Harbour Towage Vancouver Inc. and the Canadian Merchant Service Guild have successfully reached an agreement. The stability of labour relations at Port Metro Vancouver enhances our reputation as a reliable trading partner, contributes to the Canadian economy and ultimately means jobs for our hard-working men and women.”

- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women