The fallout from the labour dispute at British Columbia ports continues to unfold. The union representing about 7,400 workers, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada, issued a strike notice but abruptly rescinded it hours later. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded by convening an incident response group typically gathered during times of “national crisis” or events with major implications for Canada. Trudeau spoke with B.C. Premier David Eby about the need to ensure the stability of national supply chains.
The ILWU, in a statement, announced that it had removed the strike notice, but did not provide any reasons or details behind the decision. The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) referred to this as a “fluid and unpredictable situation.” Notably, the ILWU previously issued a 72-hour notice for a strike at B.C. ports, but temporarily halted the strike after rejecting a tentative four-year deal on July 13.
Initially, the ILWU relaunched its strike on Tuesday, immediately after announcing the rejection of the tentative deal. However, picket lines were removed, and workers returned to work yesterday after the Canadian Industrial Relations Board ruled that workers needed to give a 72-hour notice for the strike to be legal.
The strike initially started on July 1 and lasted for 13 days, causing significant disruption at the more than 30 B.C. port terminals and other sites where ILWU members work, including Vancouver, the largest port in the country.