BC Port Workers Resume Strike After Union Caucus Rejects Mediated Deal

International Longshore and Warehouse Union workers wave at cars driving past while picketing outside of the B.C. Maritime Employers Association Dispatch Centre after a 72-hour strike notice and no agreement made on the bargaining table, in Vancouver July 1, 2023. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)

Some 7,400 B.C. port workers are back on the picket lines after their union rejected a federal mediator’s proposed agreement that had originally ended the 13-day strike on July 13.

Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore Workers Union, said in a July 18 statement that its internal caucus rejected the tentative four-year agreement and chose not to put it to a membership vote. Workers were scheduled to be back on strike the same day by 4:30 p.m. local time.

“The ILWU Canada Longshore Caucus does not believe the recommendations had the ability to protect our jobs now or into the future,” said the union. “Our position since day one has been to protect our jurisdiction and this position has not changed.”

The union suggested that B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) member companies have earned “record profits” but have not addressed cost-of-living issues affecting port workers.

“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,” said the union.

The BCMEA said the deal put forward was “fair and comprehensive” and offered increases to wages and benefits, and said the union “chose to instead remain entrenched in their position with little regard to the lives and jobs they are impacting.”

Stacks of cargo containers are seen at port during a strike by International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada workers in the province, in Vancouver, on July 12, 2023. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

The union rejected the deal but did not send it to workers for a full vote, said BCMEA.

“In rejecting this tentative agreement, ILWU leadership is choosing to further harm Canada’s economy, international reputation and most importantly, to Canadians, their livelihoods and all those that rely on a stable supply chain,” said the employer’s group in a July 18 statement.

“The proposed four-year collective agreement settlement package that ILWU internal leadership rejected, included considerable hikes in wages and benefits over and above the [approximate] 10 percent increase received over the past three years, and generally above the established norm of recent private and public sector union settlements in British Columbia and Canada.”

The BCMEA said the tentative settlement also included specific provisions that addressed the union’s concern regarding “contracting out” work and measures to improve training, recruitment, and retention of ILWU trades workers now and in the future.

“Specifically, the BCMEA agreed to provide benefit coverage for all casual trades workers, a tool allowance, and a commitment to increase apprentices in the industry by 15 percent,” it said.

Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan issued a written statement saying that the government was unable to comment on the situation until formal notice of the ratification process is received from both sides of the dispute.

Canada Day Strike

Thousands of workers had been on strike since July 1, affecting more than 30 B.C. ports.

The workers union says employees want higher wages, plus protection against contracting out work and automation from the employer, the BCMEA.

The strike has disrupted operations at two of Canada’s three busiest ports, the Port of Prince Rupert and the Port of Vancouver, which is where the majority of the country’s natural resources and commodities are exported, and raw materials are imported.

The BCMEA also issued a statement July 13 noting the agreement was subject to ratification and stating details could not be released.

“The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the significant impact this labour disruption has had on the economy, businesses, workers, customers and ultimately, all Canadians,” it said.

“We must collectively work together to not only restore cargo operations as quickly and safely as possible but to also rebuild the reputation of Canada’s largest gateway and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.