Western Canadian Port Workers Scheduled to Strike This Weekend

The ILWU Canada has announced its intention to strike at the West Coast Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert starting July 1st, following a landslide vote of union members. As per the Canadian Labor Code, a three-day notice is required to declare a strike, and the notice was issued on Wednesday.

Similar to the recent strikes along the ports of the US West Coast, ILWU Canada and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) have significant differences when it comes to the appropriate level of salary increases. ILWU Canada is also worried about the possible loss of jobs due to planned implementation of automation at the Vancouver terminal.

Although a majority of cargo that moves through the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert is Canadian trade, the U.S. trade may also face a potential impact. As per the port authority, nearly 15% of the container trade passing through the Port of Vancouver is headed to or from the U.S. Additionally, about 2% of the U.S. international laden imports that arrive at West Coast ports annually are routed through the Port of Vancouver.

It is currently unclear if the Trudeau government will force a deal between employers and longshore workers once the strikes begin tomorrow.

Scarbrough is aware of the pending situation and will continue to monitor and pass along information as it is released. We are here to assist you in any way we can, so please reach out to your Scarbrough rep with any questions.