Toward the end of July we reported on the ongoing port strike in Canada. We are pleased to report this morning that the strike has officially come to an end. The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have ratified an agreement, with the ILWU voting in favor of a contract.
As noted in an email sent by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to its members, the Office of the Minister of Labour stated, “The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have been negotiating the renewal of their collective agreement which expired on March 31, 2023 and covers approximately 7,200 longshore workers. The BCMEA and ILWU have reached a new negotiated agreement with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. On August 4, ILWU Canada voted in favor of the deal. Both parties have now ratified the agreement. B.C. ports are operating.”
Canadian Prime Ministers Seamus O’Regan Jr. and Pablo Rodriguez provided a joint statement via a Tweet. They noted, “This is good news for the employer, the union, and the many workers and businesses across Canada that rely on our B.C. ports.”
CPMA will continue to monitor the port situation, but it is reasonable to expect some weeks to clear the backlogs at the B.C. ports.
Keep reading Deli Market News as we keep our eyes on port movement across North America.
