Members of the International Longshore &
The previous eight-year deal between the two sides expired in March 2018, and while contract negotiations have continued into 2019, Locals 502 and 500 of
Any disruption in goods movement through B.C.
Pressure to avoid a shutdown of port terminals in B.C.
In July 2017, the U.S.
Meanwhile, in September 2018, the International Longshoremen’s Association ratified an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance. The six-year contract helps ensure
Jeff Scott, chairman of the BCMEA’s board of directors, said negotiations between the association and ILWU Canada are continuing with the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
He added that dates for further negotiations are being scheduled through May.
Scott, who is also the CEO of Fraser Surrey Docks LP, said in an email to Business in Vancouver that “we are working hard at both bargaining tables to reach new agreements that best serve the interests of the people, business and customers that rely on B.C.
Lauren Chan, the BCMEA’s manager of communications and marketing, added that the union's strike vote does not mean job action is imminent at B.C.
She said ILWU Canada would still need to exercise a mandate to strike within 60 days of receiving it from its membership. The union would also have to issue 72-hour strike notice.