FAQ
Do you have an information line?
What are the New Job Postings?
Who can apply for New Job Postings?
What are the Rotation Job Postings?
Who can apply for Rotation Job Postings?
How do I know what Rotation Jobs will be available in future?
Do I have to report my vacation time?
Can I report my vacation time by phone, fax, mail, or email?
What is the difference between BCMEA Vacation Days and Union Vacation Days?
Do I need to report my sick benefits / ICBC / WCB?
I've lost my port pass, what do I do?
Do you have an information line? top
Yes, call 604-254-7110 for information regarding new job postings, membership meetings, pensioners meetings, and training postings.
Are you hiring? top
No. But certified electricians, heavy duty mechanics, "A" class welders and millwrights may drop off a resume with a copy of their trade certifications to the Local 500 office for consideration. No other resumes will be accepted at this time.
How do I apply for training? top
You may only apply for training if a posting exists. Available training is posted by way of a notice in the despatch hall and under the glass in the Local 500 office, or can be heard by phoning the information line at 604-254-7110. Postings detail who is eligible to apply (i.e. Union or specific Casual Boards). Make sure you qualify to apply and do so prior to the closing date as no late applications will be accepted. Training applications must be filled out in the Local 500 office.
What are the New Job Postings? top
Regular Work Force job postings are displayed under the glass in the Local 500 office and are updated each Friday (unless a statutory holiday falls during the week). A listing of the jobs can be heard by phoning the information line at 604-254-7110.
Who can apply for New Job Postings? top
Any longshore worker, whether Union or Casual, can apply for New Job Postings. The jobs are filled according to seniority, assuming appropriate ratings.
What are the Rotation Job Postings? top
Regular Work Force jobs come up for rotation each year on the anniversary of the job being filled -- on either the first or third Thursday of each month. The jobs up for rotation are posted under the glass in the Local 500 office for a period of two weeks.
Who can apply for Rotation Job Postings? top
Any longshore worker, whether Union or Casual, can apply for Rotation Job Postings assuming that they have more seniority than the incumbent as shown on the posting under the glass in the Local 500 office.
How do I know what Rotation Jobs will be available in future? top
All Regular Work Force jobs currently filled can be viewed in the Local 500 coffee room area. They are listed according to job site and show the incumbent worker as well as their rotation date (either the first or third Thursday of the specified month). If rotation date is JUN 1 it means the first Thursday in June (not June 1st). If rotation date is OCT 3 it means the third Thursday in October (not October 3rd). Rotation dates are always either the 1st or 3rd THURSDAY of any given month. The job posting opens the following day – either the 1st or 3rd Friday of the month and is open for 2 weeks.
Do I have to report my vacation time? top
Yes, all members and casuals must report their union vacation allotment during the current year or face fines for not reporting.
Can I report my vacation time by phone, fax, mail, or email? top
No. All vacation reporting must be done in the Local 500 office on a Vacation Reporting Form, a copy of which will be stamped and given to you to retain as your proof of reporting. For complete instructions, click here.
What is the difference between BCMEA Vacation Days and Union Vacation Days? top
• BCMEA Days are used for qualifying for stats.
• Union Days are the number of days you must report to the Union or you will be fined.
• There are a maximum of 21 Union Days to be reported.
• BCMEA Days are calculated by dividing a day's pay at the base rate into last year's earnings.
• Union Days are calculated by dividing a day's pay at the afternoon rate into last year's earnings.
• You can only go back 7 days including the day you are reporting in to claim Vacation Days as BCMEA Days.
• BCMEA Days reported are automatically deducted from the number of days that must be reported to the Union.
• Once you have reported all your Union Days there is no further obligation to report Vacation Days.
• All Vacation Days must be reported in a minimum of 4 day blocks.
• The only time you can report less than 4 day blocks is when you have less than 4 days left over.
• When reporting less than a 4 day block they cannot be reported prior to a 4 day block; they must be reported after your last 4 day block.
• You can use Christmas Day as a Vacation Day.
• You must report Union Days to be taken off in 2008 in 2008.
• If you report 2008 Union Days in 2009 you will be fined.
Do I need to report my ICBC, WCB, or sick benefits? top
Yes. You are required to advise the office staff when you go off on WCB, ICBC, or sick benefits. You are also required to advise the staff when your doctor deems you fit to return to work.
When is the next board move? top
There is no set schedule for board moves. Board moves are decided by the M & G Committee. When the next board move takes place, notices will be posted at the despatch hall. Please do not phone the Union office to inquire.
I've lost my port pass, what do I do? top
You need to contact one of the despatchers to request a replacement port pass.