Toronto, July 8, 2024
The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) said in a statement on Sunday, July 7th, that it wants the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to declare proposals and strike action of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 (ILWU Local 514) as contrary to the Canada Labour Code. The BCMEA late on Friday, July 5th, said the ILWU Local 514 had served a notice of intended strike action against employer DP World Canada that will begin on Monday, July 8th, at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). This action would affect DP World Centerm and DP Fraser Surrey Docks, in British Columbia.
In response to this intended action, the CIRB says a strike vote taken by the union representing ship and dock foremen is illegal. In a statement just after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th, the CIRB determined that the union did not bargain in good faith. The board found that employees of only one of the BCMEA’s member companies (DP World Canada), were asked to vote on the strike. It has directed the union to take back its strike notice.
Previously, the employers’ association threatened to take defensive action against a strike in the form of an industry-wide lockout. The BCMEA said in a news release that it issued formal notice to ILWU Local 514 of its intention to defensively lock out all of the union’s members on Tuesday, July 9th, at 4:30 p.m.. As a result of the CIRB decision, the BCMEA has rescinded the lockout notice.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
