A new tentative deal has been reached between the union representing British Columbia's dockworkers and the employers' association, potentially ending a labour dispute that has disrupted port operations along Canada’s West Coast.
Details of the deal haven't been made public, but both sides said in a joint statement that they are recommending that workers accept and ratify the new labour agreement.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, which represents the workers, and the BC Maritime Employers Association, which represents employers, say the deal should end strike actions that shutdown operations at 30 port terminals in B.C., including Vancouver, Canada’s busiest seaport.
On July 28, union members rejected a previous agreement, leading to round the clock negotiations over the weekend that resulted in a new deal being reached.
Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan said that he was prepared to refer the labour talks to binding arbitration if a negotiated agreement was not reached by today (July 31).
The Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business have each called on the federal government in Ottawa to legislate an end to the labour dispute at B.C. ports.
A 13-day strike by more than 7,000 workers at British Columbia’s seaports earlier in July is estimated to have cost the Canadian economy $500 million a day, according to industry group the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
