The union accused their employer, the B.C. Maritime Employers Association, of pushing for Ottawa to impose a deal, a move federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regain said he is not contemplating.
O'Regan was in Vancouver throughout the weekend, saying he planned to remain during the talks. But in a statement his spokesperson said the bargaining table is where such disputes must be resolved. The association did not address allegations it wanted a government-imposed deal, but said it had so far made nine proposals to advance talks this weekend.committed to reaching a fair and balanced deal," it said.Meanwhile, business organizations, such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, have called on the federal government to impose back-to-work legislation to end the labour disruption.
O'Regan said on Twitter on Sunday that "the best deals for both parties" are reached at the table, and that federal mediators were assisting during the talks.