B.C. ports operations to resume, despite ongoing labour dispute: BCMEA

Operations at B.C. ports are set to resume Thursday, despite the ongoing labour dispute between a union representing more than 700 locked-out port workers and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

In a release Wednesday, the BCMEA said the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued an order directing them and all their members to resume operations on Nov. 14 and continue operations and duties until the Board makes a final decision about the labour dispute.

“The BCMEA will fully comply with the interim order from the CIRB. As such, effective Thursday, November 14, 2024, dispatching functions will commence on the day shift. Maintenance and operations may begin on the 16:30 shift and are subject to individual terminal operating realities,” it said in a statement.

The organization says it anticipates a high volume of vessels and cargo which means there will be “extensive province-wide labour requirements” across all the port areas.

“In partnership with our member employers, the BCMEA is committed to working closely with ILWU Local 514, ILWU longshore locals and supply chain partners to safely and efficiently resume operations at Canada’s West Coast ports.”

A hearing has been scheduled by the CIRB for Monday, Nov. 18, to hear both sides.

ILWU foremen were locked out by their employer last week after the BCMEA presented its ‘final offer’ in contract talks that have been ongoing since last year.

On Tuesday, the Labour Minister ordered the immediate restart of port operations and instructed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to move negotiations to binding arbitration, after weekend talks stalled without progress.

“Negotiated agreements are the best way forward, but we must not allow other Canadians to suffer when certain parties do not fulfil their responsibility to reach an agreement,” MacKinnon said in a statement announcing the decision.

The lockout has been costly for both the workers and the Canadian economy.

Experts estimate that the dispute has resulted in losses upwards of $6 billion.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Employers Association also locked out nearly 1,200 workers at the Port of Montreal on Sunday after employees rejected what employers called a final contract offer.

-With files from Michael Williams and Raynaldo Suarez