ILWU CANADA AND BCMEA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
The 13-day labor strike between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) came to an end during late night negotiations on July 13. Federal mediators assisted both parties in reaching the tentative 4-year agreement that covers nearly 7,500 ILWU laborers at British Columbia ports.
“We thank the Union and the Employer for their commitment to the collective bargaining process, and federal mediators for their instrumental role in supporting the parties in their negotiations and proposing the successful settlement.”
Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr. & Transport Minister Omar Alghabra
Joint Statement
SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT
The nearly 2-week labor stoppage disrupted operations at two of Canada’s busiest ports, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. These ports are critical for moving natural resources, commodities, and raw materials.
The ripple effect of this labor stoppage is expected to take several weeks to resolve. At least 14 container vessels have been anchored near the Port of Vancouver throughout the labor action while containers destined for Vancouver that were rerouted to the U.S. went unprocessed by the U.S. ILWU members in a sign of solidarity.
Ministers O’Regan Jr. and Alghabra noted that “the scale of this disruption has been significant. The extent of it has shown just how important the relationship between industry and labour is to our national interest. Our supply chains and our economy depend on it.”
VESSEL OPERATIONS
Vessel operations are expected to resume by 4:30 PM PDT on July 14, 2023. The impacted terminals will not apply demurrage fees for the days they were closed due to the ILWU labor action.
“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.”
BCME Statement
The agreement is pending ratification by ILWU and BCMEA members. Details of the contract are confidential at this time.
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