Potential strike strongly backed by BC dockworkers

The 6,000 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (Canada) are overwhelmingly in favor of eventual strike action against the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) to replace an eight-year contract expired on March 31, 2018. The vote tallied at the end of last week showed 98.4% support for a strike. But at the same time, the ILWU Canada union agreed to continue negotiations throughout May.

Any such strike would hit cargo traffic at Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Stewart World Port and other BC ports accounting for over half of Canada’s maritime trade. The last major strike was called in 1935. Neither side would say what issues are holding up agreement.

“We have dates scheduled to continue bargaining through to the end of May with the assistance of the federal Conciliation and Mediation Services,” said Jeff Scott, BCMEA chairman.

Rino Voci, President of ILWU Local 500 previously indicated that a “yes” vote does not mean dockworkers will go on strike immediately. “It means the union can go on strike in the next 60 days with a 72-hour strike notice to the employer.”

Pressure to avoid a shutdown at Canada’s West Coast ports has been increased by the conclusion of long-term agreements in the United States, notably the U.S. ILWU three-year extension in 2017 of its contract with the Pacific Maritime Association. And in 2018, the ILWU ratified an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, which helps to ensure stability at U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports.