ILWU Canada rejects proposed labor contract and resumes port strike

The Canadian branch of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has rejected a proposal from a federal mediator for a labor settlement, resulting in the closure of the country’s western ports for the second time in weeks. The strike, which started on July 1, caused operations in the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert to come to a halt, impacting the movement of goods across Canada. The disagreement between the ILWU and the BC Maritime Employers’ Association (BCMEA) primarily revolves around wages and the allocation of maintenance work. The union argues that terminal operators are taking away jobs by hiring maintenance companies, while BCMEA asserts that the union is attempting to expand its jurisdiction.

Negotiations were ongoing until July 12, when the Canadian Labor Minister appointed a government mediator to draft a settlement proposal. Following this development, the ILWU and BCMEA announced a tentative agreement, leading to a resumption of work at the Vancouver terminals. However, on July 18, ILWU Canada announced that its Longshore faction had rejected the proposed labor contract and would once again go on strike. The union expressed concerns that the recommendations did not adequately protect their jobs, failed to address rising living costs, and had a contract term they considered too long.

The union’s decision to withdraw from the tentative agreement has been met with disappointment by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, which estimates that the port delays caused by the strikes have affected around $8 billion worth of traded goods. The board predicts that each additional day of the strike will lead to a further loss of $600 million. President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Bridgitte Anderson, expressed concern about the impact on businesses across Canada, with shortages, temporary layoffs, and even shutdowns becoming a reality due to the ongoing strike.

The renewed closure of the ports has led to increased calls for government intervention to end the strike. The BC Chamber of Commerce labeled the dispute as “unsustainable” and urged the use of “every resource” to bring a quick resolution. Additionally, Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith called on the government to reconvene Parliament and enact legislation to ensure the workers return to their jobs. The situation remains fluid as the strike continues and stakeholders seek a resolution to protect the economy and businesses across Canada.

Source .