Local 514 Bargaining Update

Today, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 participated in a case management call to discuss continuation of the Canada Industrial Relations Board hearing to address the union’s DP World (Canada) Inc. pay and manning proposal, which the BCMEA alleges to be illegal, constituting the union bargaining in bad faith. The hearing will continue September, 11th to 17th, 2024.  

Of note, the BCMEA filed an additional bad faith bargaining complaint this week regarding ILWU Local 514 bargaining committee’s recent conduct. That complaint has been placed in abeyance pending adjudication of the first complaint. The BCMEA remains committed to achieving a fair settlement in good faith that is beneficial for the 730 hardworking forepersons and their families, while also protecting the stability of Canada’s West Coast ports, and regrets needing to seek resolution through further litigation.  

The BCMEA proposed comprehensive offers that could have resulted in a competitive and balanced deal to ILWU Local 514 members, and if accepted, would have provided all forepersons with significant gains in wages and benefits, without any concession requests from employers. 

As previously indicated by the union, the BCMEA is aware that an industry wide strike vote is currently underway across various BCMEA Member terminals.  

At time of writing, neither Party has issued 72-hour notice of strike or lockout, nor have there been any labour disruptions. Regular cargo and passenger operations at British Columbia’s ports continue uninterrupted.  

We recognize the tremendous uncertainty facing Canada’s supply chain, especially considering recent supply chain impacts of wildfires and the potential of severe rail labour dispute disruption. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.  

Last updated: August 16 2024, 1:30 PM PT