Strike begins for over 7,400 dockers in BC

Large groups representing businesses across Canada sounded the alarm on Saturday about the potential economic impact of a strike by the dockers of British Columbia.

More than 7,400 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada left their jobs Saturday morning after days of federally brokered talks with the BC Maritime Employers Association failed to produce a new employment contract.

The strike provoked almost immediate reactions from the national business community, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“One day is too long for this strikedeputy leader of Government Relations Robin Guy said in a telephone interview. “The longer it takes, the more damage we’re going to do to the Canadian economy.”

Guy said the uncertainty created by the labor dispute in Canada’s busiest ports will hit Canadian families and businesses in the pockets at a time when inflation has made life and business more expensive than ever.

“We want this to be resolved as soon as possible. We really need an active government to fix the problems strike,” he said. “We need the government to use all the tools in its toolbox to end this dispute.”

The employers’ organization said on Saturday that talks have been held throughout the night, but negotiators have not reached an agreement.

“Over the course of the past few days, the BCMEA has continued to submit proposals and positions in good faith, with the aim of reaching a fair deal at the table,” the statement said. “Our negotiating committee has repeatedly made efforts to be flexible and compromise on key priorities, but unfortunately the parties have yet to succeed in reaching a settlement.”

The union served 72 hours strike message on Wednesday, but could not be reached for comment on Saturday’s developments.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business echoed the Chamber of Commerce’s concerns about the job drive now being held at locations across the province.

“A strike can have serious consequences for our economy and our small businesses. Port operations must remain flexible so as not to exacerbate supply chain disruptions and put further pressure on costs, at a time when we still face high inflation,” the company said in a statement. “It’s important to remember that strike-related delays can be costly to small businesses, which can lose business as a result.”

At the Maritime Labor Center in East Vancouver, union members gathered on Saturday mornings, combing through lists posted on exterior walls for their picketing orders.

Striking workers were dispatched to various port locations and a small group of ILWU members walked around the port entrance of Clark and Hastings in East Vancouver on Saturday morning.

The men wore placards and buttons with a picture of a cobra snake and the slogan “Want strike if provoked” – all declined to comment on the strike action. They referred all questions to ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton, who could not be reached for comment.

Federal Labor Secretary Seamus O’Regan said on Saturday that the two sides will continue to negotiate, adding that “the best deals for both sides will be reached at the table.”

The strike affects approximately 7,400 terminal freight loaders and 49 of the county’s waterfront employers in more than 30 BC ports.

At the beginning of June, 99.24 percent of union members voted in favour strike action.

The ILWU did not provide 72 hours strike notice on 21 June, the earliest possible date for such action after receipt of the authorization vote from the members.

That notice came instead on June 28, when the ILWU issued a statement at the time accusing the employers’ association of demanding “major concessions” from the union despite “record profits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” The strike cancellation came nearly three months after the last contract expired on March 30.

The union also said it was trying to protect its members from the “erosion” of work that comes from remote contract workers and port automation.

The association represents 49 private sector employers operating in BC ports, and its website states that the industry contributes $2.7 billion to Canada’s GDP while accounting for approximately 16 percent of total traded handles the country’s goods, amounting to $180 billion by 2020.

Both the union and the employer confirmed this on Friday strike would not affect cruise ships docked in Vancouver, Prince Rupert or Vancouver Island.