Canadian West Coast dockworkers vote yes to labour deal

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) have voted 74.66% in favour of the tentative agreement for a four-year labour deal agreed in late July with employers.

The agreement has already been ratified by employers under the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). “The agreement was reached after five months of negotiations, conciliation and mediation, and five weeks of labour instability at B.C.’s ports,” the association commented.

Over 7,000 dockworkers in BC ports walked out on strike for 13 days at the start of July impacting billions of dollars’ worth cargo and trade. Although dockworkers went back to work two tentative agreements were rejected with the threat of more strike action impacting Canada’s largest port of Vancouver remaining.

“All supply chain stakeholders must collaborate now to ensure we do not see disruptions like this ever again. Whether in Halifax, Montreal, or the Pacific Gateway, Canadians are relying on us - employers, unions, and the federal government - to keep goods flowing and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future,” BCMEA said.