B.C. ports could be in for another round of disruptions after a 72-hour strike notice was issued by the union representing about 700 foremen, and it’s spurring major concerns about the economy.
The disagreement is between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 and the BC Maritime Employers Association. If an agreement can’t be reached in the coming days, the job action could begin at 8 a.m. on Nov. 4.
“We did not arrive to this decision lightly. This regretful action follows thorough consideration of ILWU Local 514’s continued intransigence and their provocative decision to proceed with another strike notice, despite being found to have been bargaining in bad faith on three occasions,” said a statement from the association.
This comes after the two sides had been negotiating with the help of a federal mediator for the last three days in a desperate bid to avoid a work stoppage at every B.C. port. Negotiations began last year after the last contract expired in March 2023.
The union said in September that members voted 96 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action if necessary.
On Thursday, the BCMEA said it had presented a “final offer” on Wednesday to the union that included increased wages, benefits and a signing bonus.
“The final offer includes a 19.2 per cent wage increase, which would enhance the median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617 annually, not including benefits and pension. On average, eligible workers would receive a cumulative lump sum payment of approximately $21,000, inclusive of signing bonus and retroactive pay increases back to April 2023. Subject to the date of acceptance, the BCMEA will agree to accelerate and pay retroactivity and the signing bonus in full to each member by mid-December.”
This dispute is centred around one employer, DP World, and its manpower requirements, as it relates to automation.
The union has said it had “no interest in an industry-wide dispute” because it wants to negotiate with DP World directly, but the Canada Industrial Relations Board says the union can’t bargain with only one employer.
All of this has the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade very upset.
It says if the labour dispute moves ahead it puts “$800 million a day in trade that flows through west coast ports” at risk.
“If another strike occurs it will again mean higher prices for Canadians at a time when the economy is struggling,” it said in a release. “As Canada’s largest gateway, west coast ports are critical for Canada’s economy. Supply chain instability in recent years has been a major hurdle for Canadian businesses, which was only just beginning to improve prior to the start of this labour disruption. The ongoing disruptions not only jeopardize Canada’s international reputation as a reliable trade partner but also threaten long-lasting damage for years to come.”
Vancouver’s port is the largest in Canada and has been home to a number of recent disruptions, including one in September when workers set up pickets at six Metro Vancouver grain terminals.
A month before that, port operations were disrupted by work stoppages at both major Canadian railways.
In July 2023, a 13-day port strike froze billions of dollars in trade at the docks — something some economists warned was a loss that would be felt for a long time.
-With files from The Canadian Press.