ILWU Canada Membership Expected to Approve Labor Deal This Week

July 25, 2023 | After a tumultuous week of federal government involvement and multiple strike notices, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada membership is expected to vote on the tentative agreement reached with the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) that the union’s caucus originally rejected on July 18. The union’s leadership approved the four-year labor deal and is recommending its membership to ratify the tentative agreement during a vote taking place this week.

The union did not provide further information regarding its decision reversal. The proposed Terms of Settlement is the same one put forward by the senior federal mediator and ratified by the BCMEA on July 13. Results from ILWU membership are expected to be confirmed “shortly” after the voting period.

“The tentative agreement presented is the result of months of negotiations and mediation; we are hopeful that the voting membership, like the ILWU Caucus Leadership and Bargaining Committee, will support the fair and equitable deal as recommended by the senior federal mediator,” the BCMEA said in a statement.

The west coast longshore workers originally walked the picket line from July 1 to July 13 over disagreements with the BCMEA over issues like automation, wages, and job security. The disruption to the supply chain at Canada’s largest port impacted an estimated $9.7 billion in trade, according to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

The Toy Association continues to monitor the situation closely and will keep members updated with new developments.

Members with any questions may contact Jos Huxley, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association.