Concerns Over Economy and Supply Chain Issues Grow as Port Worker Strike Enters Day Six

Concerns are escalating across the country over the economic impacts of the on-going port worker strike, as it heads into day six.

Experts are noting the irreparable damage a lengthy strike could do to Canada’s reputation as a global trade partner.

Yesterday, CP Kansas City, formerly known as CP Rail placed a temporary embargo on all export traffic from the Port of Vancouver.

According to the BC Maritime Employers Association, the strike has already disrupted $3.7 billion in cargo through just five days.

But, they say the solution is in a mediation-arbitration process proposed by the Association last month.

Through that, they would work to establish a deal through interest arbitration, rather than collective bargaining, while workers return to ports.

Meanwhile, the International Longshore Workers Union is pitching a different process, involving direct meetings with the heads of major employers.

They also accuse the BCMEA of running a smear campaign targetting their own workers, in an attempt to force back-to-work legislation.

Members of the Union are rallying in Vancouver today as the pair remain away from the bargaining table amid a deadlock over the scope of their work.

While the BCMEA says they are attempting to expand that scope, the Union says they are only fighting the excessive use of third party contractors.