Talks in Canadian West Coast ports labor dispute move slowly

Talks in Canadian West Coast ports labor dispute move slowly Talks aimed at preventing a Jan. 2 strike in Canada's Pacific Coast ports by union dock foremen are progressing, albeit slowly, according to the association representing the dockers' employers.
   The union foremen, members of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 based near Vancouver, have been without a contract since March 2007 and can legally strike as of Jan. 2. A strike would impact the two major Canadian Pacific Coast ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
   Union negotiators are set to meet with representatives of the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association for additional talks on Friday.
   While the talks are under a mutually agreed news blackout, officials of the BCMEA said that the talks were proceeding 'very, very, slowly.' The union has not offered any comment on the talks, which involves about 500 union members.
   Talks are said to be centered on several points including pension benefits for the union foremen.