Shipping
CANADA DOCKWORKERS UNION VOTE YES TO NEW LABOUR AGREEMENT
August 8, 2023

Canadian dock workers have ratified a negotiated tentative labour deal ending fears of further disruptions at Canada's major ports.


The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) said the majority of its members have voted yes to the deal put forward with their employers — represented by the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

 

"The results of the ratification vote for the tentative agreement show 74.66% in favour of accepting the terms of the settlement," said Rob Ashton, president of ILWU Canada, signing on behalf of the union's Bargaining Committee.

 

The four-year labour deal has also been ratified by the BCMEA.

 

"The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has received confirmation that the International Labour and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) voting membership has ratified the four-year negotiated tentative agreement that was achieved with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board earlier this week," BCMEA said in a statement. "The BCMEA ratified the agreement on July 31."

 

It added that the agreement was reached after five months of negotiations, conciliation and mediation and five weeks of labour instability at BC's ports.

 

BCMEA noted that the renewed collective agreement includes increases in wages, benefits and training that recognizes the skills and efforts of BC's waterfront workforce while providing certainty and stability for the future of Canada's West Coast ports.

 

On July 1, around 7,000 dockworkers who are members of the ILWU Canada went on strike at the West Canada ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert as the union and the BCMEA were unable to come to an agreement on negotiations.

 

The strike prevented 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.

 

"As we move forward to implement the terms of the agreement, we are committed to working collaboratively with our labour partners, the federal government and key stakeholders to rebuild the reputation of Canada's largest gateway," BCMEA said.

 

"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," it added.