Following a ‘tentative agreement’ averting an ILWU strike across the US West Coast, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada is opting to go ahead with its own 72-hour strike at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
Port workers have been attempting to negotiate a new contract with employer British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) since the last document expired in March, but thus far no agreement has been reached.
Among the goals of the strike are the end of third party contracting by BCMEA, as well as an agreement ruling out further automation of the ports.
''Longshore workers kept this Province and the Country running during the Pandemic and when Canadians were told to shelter in place, our people went to work,” said Rob Ashton, ILWU Canada President. “We worked in difficult and hazardous conditions to ensure that the communities where we live, and all Canadians had the necessary supplies and personal protective equipment.