A hearing between the BC Maritimes Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 shows the potential for a strike to be averted.
According to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the hearing has concluded for the week and additional dates have been set to address the union’s DP World pay and manning proposal.
Both parties met after the BCMEA deemed actions from the Union regarding manning and pay from DP World were done in bad faith.
The board says so far both sides have come to the table productively and talks are going just fine.
“Neither party has issued a 72-hour notice of strike or lockout, nor have there been any labour disputes,” they say. “Regular cargo and passenger operations at BC’s ports continue uninterrupted.”
Vice president of government and public affairs Rob MacKay-Dunn says this is a positive step forward as both parties look to keep ports open and supply chains flowing.
“The BCMEA and its members are deeply committed to protecting the stability and reliability of Canada’s Pacific Gateway,” he says. “We recognize the tremendous uncertainty facing Canada’s supply chain and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
The union was poised to strike last month, but it was deemed illegal by the board after a decision was made by the CIRB on July 7.
