ILWU Canada Issues 72-Hour Strike Notice, Set to Walk Off July 1

Longshore workers are "prepared" to walk out of work at Canadian West Coast ports at 8 a.m. on July 1, after the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada issued a 72-hour strike notice to the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, ILWU Canada said in a news release June 28. The ILWU Canada Bargaining Committee "has run out options at the bargaining table because the BCMEA and their member employers have refused to negotiate on the main issues, and we feel we are left with no choice but to take the next step in the process," the news release said.

The BCMEA and ILWU Canada have been in talks since February 2023, in an attempt to renew the collective bargaining agreement that expired on March 31, the news release said. The three main objectives that ILWU Canada has in their talks with the BCMEA are to stop "the erosion" of their work with contracting out, to "protect current and future generations from the devastating impacts" of port automation, and to "protect longshore workers from" high inflation and a "sky rocketing" cost of living.

"The Union is seeking a fair deal that respects Longshore workers, one that protects our jobs and our jurisdiction," the ILWU Canada release said. "We are seeking recognition for the hard work and sacrifices that Longshore" workers "made during the pandemic and the extraordinary work that Longshore Locals did in getting workers out to the terminals during the lockdowns." The BCMEA is seeking "major concessions" from longshore workers, despite ILWU workers having "worked in difficult and hazardous conditions" to keep necessary supplies moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.

The BCMEA said in a news release on its website that it had received the notice from ILWU Canada, and that the strike will not affect employees "required to service grain vessels." The BCMEA said that it has been engaged with ILWU Canada since March 28 after ILWU Canada "triggered the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) by filing a notice of dispute." The BCMEA said that it has made "multiple proposals and positions in good faith, with the objective of making progress and achieving a fair deal at the table," during negotiations.

"Despite today’s regrettable development, we remain ready to re-engage with our labour partners through the federal mediation process, with the desire of reaching a fair and balanced deal at the table that keeps our ports stable and goods flowing for Canadians," BCMEA said. "That includes voluntarily entering a mediation-arbitration process shaped by the parties that encourages continued dialogue and negotiations and only, if necessary, provides for a binding outcome via interest arbitration," BCEMA said. So far, ILWU Canada "has declined this binding mediation & arbitration proposal," BCMEA said. Both parties were scheduled to continue bargaining on June 29, BCMEA said.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority said in an emailed statement that it encourages "the BCMEA and" ILWU Canada "to continue negotiating in good faith toward a fair agreement. Canada’s west coast trade depends on an outcome that keeps goods moving through its ports, and we’re optimistic that the ILWU and their employers can reach a timely agreement that accomplishes that." The Port of Vancouver did not immediately comment.