BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - News of Canadian port activities has reached our desks here in the States, as both the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) parties have come to an agreement. A deal has been reached, with the ILWU voting in favor of a contract, and both parties have now ratified the agreement.

As noted in an email sent by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to its members, the Office of the Minister of Labour stated, “The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have been negotiating the renewal of their collective agreement which expired on March 31, 2023 and covers approximately 7,200 longshore workers. The BCMEA and ILWU have reached a new negotiated agreement with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. On August 4, ILWU Canada voted in favor of the deal. Both parties have now ratified the agreement. B.C. ports are operating.”

Canadian Prime Ministers Seamus O’Regan Jr. and Pablo Rodriguez provided a joint statement via a Tweet. They noted, “This is good news for the employer, the union, and the many workers and businesses across Canada that rely on our B.C. ports.”

CPMA will continue to monitor the port situation, but it is reasonable to expect some weeks to clear the backlogs at the B.C. ports.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye on the wires for more updates.