Union issues 72hr strike notice in BC ports dispute

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 has rejected an offer from the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and has issued a 72-hour notice for “limited job action” with an overtime ban and refusal to implement technology changes. If the union takes strike action, it will begin on Monday, November 4 at 8 a.m. Pacific Time.

In response to the strike notice, the BCMEA has threatened a full-scale lockout to close all BC ports. Their statement reads in part:

…to facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations, the BCMEA has issued formal notice of its intention to defensively lock out all ILWU Local 514 members on Monday, November 4 at or around 08:00 am PT. Should it be required, this coastwide lockout will shut down all cargo operations of BCMEA Member companies across the province. It will not affect longshoring operations on grain vessels or cruise operations.

To read the BCMEA’s statement in its entirety, visit https://www.bcmeanegotiations.com/.