Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.

MacKinnon issued a statement on social media on Saturday evening saying he spoke with the BC Maritime Employers Association and the union representing more than 700 foremen on negotiations for their new collective agreement.

He says both parties have a responsibility to reach an agreement, adding “businesses, workers, and farmers are counting on them” to strike a deal.

The employers association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 have been bargaining for nearly two years to renew their collective agreement that expired in March 2023.

On Thursday, the union issued a 72-hour notice for job action that would begin Monday at 8 a.m.

The move prompted the employers association to issue a formal notice that it will “defensively” lock out members of the union starting at the same time.