Canadian Ports, Carriers File Complaint With Canada Industrial Relations Board
The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board against the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 on May 10 for the labor union's "conduct" and its "intransigence at the bargaining table," the association said.
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The most recent offer from the BCMEA, which represents marine terminal operators on Canada's West Coast as well as ocean carriers, included a 19.2% wage increase, a $3,243 average signing bonus and a 16% increased retirement benefit per worker, the association said. Despite its best efforts, ILWU Local 514 has been "protracting negotiations," BCMEA said.
The 21-day cooling off period ended May 10, giving parties the right to strike or lockout if a strike or lockout vote has been taken and a 72-hour notice issued, the association said. At the time of the news release, no 72-hour notice had been issued nor had there been any labor disruptions, BCMEA said.
The BCMEA said it hopes the complaint will be resolved "expeditiously," and it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement with the support of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. ILWU Canada didn't respond to our request for comment. CIRB did not respond to our request for confirmation.
In August 2023, ILWU Canada ratified an agreement with the BCMEA after a long period of negotiations (see 2308070040).