Local 514 Bargaining Update

The BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 are set to resume the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) hearing on August 6 to August 9, 2024. This hearing will address the Union’s DP World (Canada) Inc. manning proposal, which the BCMEA alleges to be illegal, constituting the union bargaining in bad faith.  
 
Following a scheduled case management meeting with the CIRB that occurred yesterday, ILWU Local 514’s legal counsel notified the Parties that the Union would be conducting an industry-wide strike vote, inclusive of all its members, in the coming weeks. The Union noted that it will take at least until August 9, 2024, to complete the vote. Their legal counsel committed that no 72-hour strike notice would be served until the vote was completed, if at all. In the coming days, we expect to see ILWU Local 514 conducting votes at BCMEA member terminals across the province. 

While regrettable, ILWU Local 514’s decision to proceed with an industry-wide strike vote is predictable, given the CIRB’s July 7, 2024, decision which deemed the Union’s previous strike vote and related strike notice to DP World (Canada) Inc. illegal.  

Despite the uncertainty created by ILWU Local 514’s conduct, the BCMEA remains committed to achieving a fair settlement that is beneficial for the 730 hardworking forepersons and their families, while also ensuring West Coast ports remain reliable, competitive, and affordable for all Canadians.  

The BCMEA has previously offered a 19.2% wage increase, which could have enhanced the median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617 annually, not including benefits and pension. On average, eligible workers would have received a cumulative lump sum payment of approximately $15,000, inclusive of a signing bonus and retroactive pay increases.  

We will provide updates as appropriate.

Last updated: July 25 2024, 3:30 PM PT