Contract negotiations remain on pause as port workers and their employers continue to lock heads on day seven of strike action.
According to the BC Maritime Employers Association, the strike has already disrupted up to $4.6 million in cargo.
In a statement last night, the Association said that they are beginning to hear of layoffs in other related industries as the strike rolls on.
Residents across the country, from industry experts to politicians, have voiced concern over the economic fallout for the general population.
They are warning of possible increases in food costs, and availability, as well as numerous other commodities such as mechanical parts.
Members of the International Longshore Workers Union say they are fighting to end the over-use of third party contractors at ports.
They have accused the BCMEA of using a dirty smear campaign in an effort to force Federal back-to-work legislation.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has remained opposed to the idea, urging both sides to get to the table to get a deal done.
Both sides have proposed alternative negotiation methods, after months in the Federal mediation process failed to garner a deal.
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