Local 514 Bargaining Update
Today the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) held a case management conference to hear complaints between the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514.
At 1:19 pm, the CIRB determined that ILWU Local 514’s declaration of strike action against DP World (Canada) Inc. is in contravention of the Canada Labour Code. The CIRB found that the union failed to bargain in good faith when it conducted a strike vote amongst employees of only one member employer of the BCMEA and issued a strike notice based on that strike vote. Accordingly, the CIRB directed the union to rescind the strike notice of July 5, 2024 and advise members that it is rescinded.
Furthermore, the CIRB found ILWU Local 514’s Nanaimo dispatch proposal was illegal because it consists of a receding horizon in bargaining and amounts to a failure to bargain in good faith. Therefore, the Board directed the union to withdraw its proposal.
As a result of the CIRB decision, the BCMEA has rescinded the industry-wide lockout notice.
The BCMEA is disappointed that these steps needed to be taken to ensure the stability of Canada’s West Coast ports but is pleased with the outcomes of the CIRB’s decision.
The CIRB hearing to address outstanding DP World (Canada) Inc. manning proposal of the union, which the BCMEA has alleged to also be illegal, is scheduled to continue August 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2024.
Last updated: July 7 2024, 2:50 PT