Local 514 Bargaining Update

Earlier today, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 communicated to the BCMEA that it has a mandate from its members to take strike action. 

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.  

The BCMEA is committed to continued good faith bargaining with ILWU Local 514 and awaits the conclusion of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) hearing regarding 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. 

At a time when Canada’s supply chain is just beginning to recover from the repercussions of the multi-day rail disruption, ILWU Local 514’s latest action does little to assure Canadians and global trading partners of supply chain stability.

The Parties are scheduled to continue the CIRB hearing next week.  

Over the last 16 months, the BCMEA has proposed comprehensive offers that would 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. The current coastwide agreement between the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 expired on March 31, 2023.  

We remain committed to bargaining in good faith and seeking a balanced agreement that recognizes the hard work of the 730 forepersons on B.C.’s waterfront while ensuring West Coast ports remain competitive, resilient and affordable for all Canadians. 

We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

Last updated: September 3, 2024, 4:00 PM PT