Toronto, July 7, 2023
The B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has been calling for binding arbitration to end the strike involving about 7,400 workers at more than 30 B.C. ports. Negotiations are still paused, however, the BCMEA remains ready to re-engage at a moment’s notice, assuming the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is prepared to present a reasonable proposal. The president of the union representing striking British Columbia port workers says employers are waiting for the federal government to do their “dirty work” instead of negotiating an end to the seven-day strike.
Pressure is mounting on the federal government to recall Parliament to consider back-to-work legislation that would end the strike, however, Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan is instead urging the two sides to make use of available mediators and resume negotiations.
Until a resolution is found, billions of dollars worth of cargo remain in limbo, disrupting critical supply chains and damaging relationships with international trading partners. This includes automotive parts, refrigerated food, fertilizer, critical minerals and other goods that are not reaching Canadians, or our trading partners abroad.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
