Port Workers and Employers Reach Tentative Deal to Bring an End to Strike Action, Deal Not Yet Ratified

Port workers and their employers have reached a tentative 4 year deal, following 13 days of strike action at ports across BC.

Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union began job action on July 1st, following months of unsuccessful negotiations.

Contract talks with the BC Maritime Employers Association had stalled over issues related to automation, third party contractors, and wages.

With the strike disrupting roughly $800 million in cargo each day, Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan finally stepped in yesterday.

Deeming the sides too close to warrant further disruptions, O’Regan put forward a proposed deal, and gave both sides 24 hours to respond.

Neither side has ratified the agreement yet, and the details remain sparse, but both have agreed to bring the tentative deal to their memberships.