A tentative agreement has been reached between parties at the Canadian West Coast ports ending a 13-day strike that halted cargo movements at the country's busiest ports.
"The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) is pleased to advise that the Parties have reached a tentative agreement on a new 4-year deal that recognizes the skills and efforts of BC's waterfront workforce," the BCMEA announced on July 13.
It added that the tentative agreement with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada is subject to ratification by both Parties and subsequently, "details of the agreement will not be released at this time."
However, the union had earlier made requests, notably for pay raises and the extension of their authority to cover routine terminal maintenance.
"In partnership with our member employers, the BCMEA is committed to working closely with ILWU Canada and their locals and supply chain partners to safely resume operations as soon as possible," BCMEA added.
"We would like to express our appreciation to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service officers and the Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan Jr., for assisting both Parties throughout this process," it added, who was instrumental in achieving a tentative agreement.
"The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the significant impact this labour disruption has had on the economy, businesses, workers, customers and ultimately, all Canadians," BCMEA said, as it called for a collective effort to restore cargo operations as quickly and safely as possible and ensure supply chain stability and resilience at Canadian ports.
Since July 1, some 7,400 dock workers represented by the ILWU have been on strike, preventing shipments from entering or leaving 30 ports in British Columbia, including the largest port in Canada, the Port of Vancouver, after failing to reach a new work contract with the BCMEA — which represents the companies involved.
The industrial action also impacted the Port of Prince Rupert, also one of Canada's three busiest ports.
Estimates put the port disruption to have affected more than US$9.3 billion of trade since the start of the strike action, according to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Some 63,000 shipping containers were also reportedly waiting on the water to be unloaded.
Meanwhile, the BCMEA earlier said the industrial action at Canadian west coast ports — covering the over 10-day strike action — has disrupted some C$7.5 billion (US$5.6 billion) worth of cargo.
Strike resumes as union rejects deal
UPDATE: On July 18, the Canada port strike resumed after ILWU Canada members rejected the tentative wage agreement agreed with BCMEA last week.
"The ILWU Canada Longshore Caucus has voted down the Mediators Recommended Terms of Settlement. The ILWU Canada Longshore Caucus does not believe the recommendations had the ability to protect our jobs now or into the future," Rob Ashton, president of ILWU Canada, said.
"Our position since day one has been to protect our jurisdiction, and this position has not changed. With the record profits that the BCMEA's member companies have earned over the last few years, the employers have not addressed the cost of living issues that our workers have faced over the last couple of years, as all workers have," the statement added.
"The term of the collective agreement that was given with today's uncertain times is far too long. We must be able to readdress the uncertainty in the world's financial markets for our members."
The ILWU Canada added: "On July 18, 2023, as of 16:30, the ILWU Canada Longshore Division will be back on the picket line for a fair and negotiated collective agreement."
