BCMEA and ILWU Canada Negotiations: Chamber Statements and Updates

The collective agreements between the BCMEA and the ILWU Canada on behalf of the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen expired on March 31, 2023. And on June 28, 2023, the ILWU Canada informed the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1.

Approximately 25 percent of our total traded goods flow through the ports in Western Canada. They are Canada’s largest gateway, handling over $800 million worth of cargo, from agri-foods and potash to critical minerals, forestry, construction materials and household necessities, every single day.

September 6, 2023: Business Data Lab Insight

Our Senior Economist, Andrew DiCapua, shares his insights on Statistics Canada’s Trade Data:

July’s trade data paints a clear picture: the 13-day port strike has taken a toll on Canada’s trade. Exports from BC’s ports fell by 23% in July, hitting their lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Meanwhile, imports to these ports saw a sharp 19% decline, marking their most significant monthly drop in July over the past 18 years. Looking ahead, we expect that the repercussions of the strike will linger in our trade data for at least another month as backlogs are gradually cleared. These negative trade figures for the month continue Canada’s ongoing downward trend on the trade front

Andrew DiCapua, Senior Economist, Business Data Lab, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

August 5, 2023: Statement regarding the end of labour disruptions at Canada’s West Coast ports

On August 4, B.C. port workers accepted a new tentative agreement with their employers, bringing the labour dispute at Canada’s West Coast ports to an end.

Our Vice President and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Robin Guy, has issued an official statement on the agreement:

We welcome today’s announcement that the BCMEA and ILWU have ratified its agreement to end the labour dispute at Canada’s West Coast ports. 

Our supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. Following over 35 days of disruption to our West Coast ports, it’s time for Government to consider providing new tools that can be used in the face of labour disputes in sectors that are critical to Canada’s supply chain. 

We look forward to working with Members of Parliament to ensure Canadian goods can get to and from market reliably.

Robin Guy, VP and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

July 24, 2023: Statement regarding ILWU Canada’s rejection of mediated agreement

Port workers in British Columbia have voted to reject a mediated contract offer, extending job action that prevented billions in goods from moving.

Our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, has issued an official statement on the strike:

Enough is enough. We can’t continue to play this reckless game. The federal government can’t just close its eyes and hope for the best any longer. The damage will continue unless it acts. The ports shutdown has cost our economy billions and has tarnished our reputation as a trading nation. As the Prime Minister stated, ‘Canada cannot face further disruption.’ To get our ports working again, we need to get Parliament back to work.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

July 13, 2023: Statement Regarding Tentative Agreement to End the Strike at Canada’s West Coast Ports

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s announcement that the BCMEA and ILWU have reached tentative agreement to end the strike at Canada’s west coast ports.

Our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, has issued an official statement on the agreement:

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s announcement that the BCMEA and ILWU have reached a tentative agreement to end the strike at Canada’s west coast ports.

While we are pleased to see the end of the strike, the Canadian economy was seriously damaged during these 13 days. This strike demonstrates that government must increase the tools available to ensure labour stability for our critical infrastructure and our supply chains. We look forward to working with Members of Parliament to achieve this goal.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

July 12, 2023: Statement Regarding Minister O’Regan’s Announcement on the Collective Bargaining Negotiations between BCMEA and ILWU Canada

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes yesterday’s announcement from the Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan.

Our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, has issued an official statement on the announcement:

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes yesterday’s announcement from the Minister of Labour indicating he has asked the senior federal mediator to provide a written recommendation of the terms of settlement to end the strike affecting the ports in British Columbia.

We have been calling for immediate intervention from the federal government and urge them to ensure they pursue a course of action that brings an end to this strike as swiftly as possible, preventing further impacts on Canadian families, Canadian businesses, and the Canadian economy.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

July 5, 2023: Canadian Business Community Expresses Deep Concern Regarding The Labour Dispute at Canada’s West Ports

On July 5, 2023, over 120 associations, chambers of commerce, and boards of trade representing the Canadian business community have united in a joint letter to express their deep concern over the labour disruption at Canada’s West Coast ports. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urges the government to take immediate action to prevent the disruption and safeguard the country’s supply chain, and calling on the Government to reconvene Parliament and pass back-to-work legislation, immediately.

Read the full letter and list of signatories here.

July 2, 2023: Statement regarding ILWU Canada strike action

On July 1, the ILWU Canada took strike action at Canada’s West Coast ports.

The collective agreements between the BCMEA and the ILWU Canada on behalf of the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen expired on March 31, 2023. And on June 28, 2023, the ILWU Canada informed the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1.

Our Vice President and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Robin Guy, has issued an official statement on the strike:

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government of Canada to immediately intervene in order to prevent further disruption to Canada’s supply chains and limit the impact on Canadians, who are bearing the cost of inflationary pressures.

The government should immediately recall Parliament to pass back-to-work legislation to protect the livelihoods of Canadian workers and the health of Canadian businesses affected by disruption to the more than $800 million worth of cargo flowing through West Coast ports every single day.

Robin Guy, VP and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

June 29, 2023: Statement regarding ILWU Canada strike notice

On June 28, the ILWU Canada informed the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1.

The collective agreements between the BCMEA and the ILWU Canada on behalf of the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen expired on March 31, 2023. And on June 28, 2023, the ILWU Canada informed the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1.

Such actions would disrupt West Coast ports in British Columbia, including the largest port in Canada, the Port of Vancouver, and the Port of Prince Rupert. This would have immediate impacts across Canada’s already fragile supply chain. A breakdown in port operations would severely impact manufacturing, retail, agriculture, automotive dealers, and energy industries across the country.

Our Vice President and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Robin Guy, has issued an official statement on the impending strike:

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is deeply disturbed by notice given by the ILWU Canada to the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1. Such a strike will have a significant and immediate impact on the livelihoods of Canadians and the health of Canadian businesses.

It would be hard to think of a worse way to mark Canada Day. A shutdown of our ports would fuel inflation, increase costs for Canadian families and businesses and inflict serious damage on the Canadian economy. Add to that the fact that our exporting industries could face serious delays in getting their products to market, hampering their ability to earn income and secure global contracts that drive investment and support jobs here at home.

Particularly at this critical time, Canadians need stability in our supply chains. We urge the Government of Canada to use all the tools in its toolbox to prevent a strike.

Robin Guy, VP and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

June 14, 2023: Joint Letter Urges Government Action to Prevent Labour Disruption at Ports in British Columbia

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has signed a joint letter with over 120 other associations, chambers of commerce, and boards of trade, expressing concern over the potential for a labour disruption that would affect ports in British Columbia.

The collective agreements between the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and ILWU Canada, representing the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen, expired on March 31, 2023. This situation has the potential to escalate into a strike or lockout as early as June 24, disrupting operations at west coast ports, including the Port of Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert.

A labour disruption of this scale would have immediate and far-reaching impacts on Canada’s already fragile supply chain. Manufacturing, retail, agriculture, automotive dealers, and energy industries across the country would be severely affected within a matter of weeks.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, alongside other signatories of this letter, is urging the government to work closely with the parties involved to secure an affordable, stable, and efficient supply chain.

Read the full letter and the list of signatories here.

June 13, 2023: Perrin Beatty Reacts to Potential Labour Disruptions at Canada’s West Coast Ports

The collective agreements between the BCMEA and ILWU Canada on behalf of the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen expired on March 31, 2023.

We understand that either party could be in a position to strike or lock out as early as June 24. Such actions would disrupt West coast ports in British Columbia, including the largest port in Canada, the Port of Vancouver, and the Port of Prince Rupert. This would have immediate impacts across Canada’s already fragile supply chain in as little as two weeks. A breakdown in port operations would severely impact manufacturing, retail, agriculture, automotive dealers, and energy industries across the country.

Our President and CEO Perrin Beatty’s official statement regarding this issue can be found below.

We’re facing that classic case of our economy only being as strong as its weakest link.

Every day, Canadians and businesses alike require stability in our supply chains. When those supply chains operate effectively, it’s easy to forget about them – even though they are quietly essential to our way of life. But when any one link breaks and supply chains fail, we all feel it immediately, and that will be especially true if we see labour disruptions at these West Coast ports.

Sixteen percent of our total traded goods flow through these ports. They’re Canada’s largest gateway, handling over $500 million worth of cargo, from agri-foods, potash, critical minerals and household necessities – every single day.

Any work stoppage will damage the Canadian economy, fanning inflation and increasing costs for Canadians. Our exporting industries could face delays in getting their products to market, hampering their ability to earn income and secure global contracts that drive investment and support jobs here at home.

These ports cannot become a weak link. We respect the right to collective bargaining and believe sincerely that the best deals are reached at the table. The government needs to work closely with all parties to reach an agreement.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance.

Contact
Karl Oczkowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
613.238.4000 (2231)
koczkowski@chamber.ca