Local 514 Bargaining Update

Further to the appointment of Conciliation Officers by the Minister of Labour on January 19, 2024, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 (Local 514) are resuming negotiations this week with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services.

Pursuant to the Canada Labour Code, the Conciliation Officers have a 60-day mandate from the day of appointment (up to March 19, 2024). Any extension beyond the 60 days can be made only by mutual consent of the Parties. At the end of the conciliation period, a 21-day cooling off period begins (up to April 9, 2024).

The BCMEA strongly believes the best deals are achieved at the table and that a negotiated settlement is possible with conciliation. The BCMEA is committed to working with the Conciliation Officers to negotiate a fair and balanced agreement with Local 514 that provides stability to Canada’s supply chain while recognizing the skills and efforts of the approximately 730 active forepersons working at B.C. ports.

Last updated: February 6, 2024, 2:20 PT