Port of Vancouver with view over Container and panamax bulker.terminal.

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) announced that they now have reached a tentative agreement with Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) on a new 4-year deal for the British Columbia waterfront workforce.

BCMEA and ILWU Canada advises that the port operations to resume as soon as possible, and that the reached tentative agreement is subject to ratification by both Parties, with further details of the 4-year agreement to be released then, BCMEA says in its statement.

Minister O’Regan said on twitter that the two parties are now finalising the details for the resumption of work at the ports.

Canadian West Coast ports negotiations between the parties have been ongoing since February this year in an attempt to renew the industry wide collective agreement which expired March 31, 2023.

The union International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) representing port workers officially began striking on July 1, 2023, and issued a 72-hour strike notice to the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

Mr. Seamus O’Regan Jr, member of parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, minister of labour, few days ago said the difference between the employer´s and the union´s positions is not sufficient to justify a continued work stoppage.

“The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the significant impact this labour disruption has had on the economy, businesses, workers, customers and ultimately, all Canadians. We must collectively work together to not only restore cargo operations as quickly and safely as possible but to also rebuild the reputation of Canada’s largest gateway and ensure supply chain stability and resilience for the future,” said BCMEA yesterday.