Threat of Canada West Coast port strike grows closer

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) said that the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 had confirmed a mandate to strike, however, as yet no 72-hour notice had been issued. Neither have employers issued a similar 72-hour notice of a lockout of employees.

The current coastwide agreement between the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 expired on 31 March 2023.  

ILWU 514 called a local strike in early July but this was deemed illegal by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

In late July the BCMEA said ILWU Local 514’s legal counsel had notified all parties of intention by the union to hold an industry wide strike vote over the coming weeks. It has now confirmed that it has a mandate to strike.

“At a time when Canada’s supply chain is just beginning to recover from the repercussions of the multi-day rail disruption, ILWU Local 514’s latest action does little to assure Canadians and global trading partners of supply chain stability,” BCMEA said.

In August the Canadian government stepped in to end a lockout by companies Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) 18 hours after it began. They also barred the unions from taking strike action bringing all sides together at the CIRB for mandatory arbitration.

Related:Canada port strike ruled illegal by industrial relations board

Strike action by the ILWU at ports would impact both the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert major container gateways on the Canadian West Coast.

Meanwhile hearings between the parties at CIRB are scheduled to continue this week.

“We remain committed to bargaining in good faith and seeking a balanced agreement that recognises the hard work of the 730 forepersons on B.C.’s waterfront while ensuring West Coast ports remain competitive, resilient and affordable for all Canadians,” the employers group stated.

A strike by ILWU (Canada) members in July last year over a four-year labour deal with the BCMEA paralysed Canadian West Coast ports for 13 days and was only resolved when the federal government stepped in.