New tentative labor deal reached in Canadian port negotiations

CNBC
July 31, 2023
Lori Ann LaRocco

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union of Canada (ILWU) and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) late Sunday announced a tentative labor agreement.

The two sides reached the deal with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board, according to a joint statement. “The parties are recommending ratification of the collective agreement to the union’s membership and member employers respectively.”

No specific details on the new deal were given.

“The critical issue is the practice of contracting out maintenance work that poses a significant threat to job security and the integrity of the LWU workforce,” Rob Ashton, president of ILWU Canada, said in a separate statement. “We are deeply concerned if left uncheck, this practice will lead to an eroision of our workforce and expertise, ultimately jeopardizing the stability and efficiency of Canada’s maritime industry.”

Ashton also said the union members view their work stoppages as a last resort.

Canadian Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan commented Monday morning on the announcement of another tentative deal.

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