Canadian longshore workers set to strike July 1
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6/30/2023
Rail News: Intermodal
Canadian longshore workers set to strike July 1
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union's (ILWU) Canadian division this week issued a strike notice effective July 1 after months of negotiations with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).
More than 99% of union members voted to strike during a vote held earlier this month. Negotiations have been ongoing since February 2023; the previous contract expired March 31.
BCMEA represents 49 ship owners and agents, stevedores and container/breakbulk terminal operators primarily based at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. ILWU Canada represents more than 7,200 workers.
The union is seeking a deal that ends contracting out longshore jobs, halts port automation that replaces jobs and provides better benefits to combat the rising cost of living, ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton said in the 72-hour strike notice issued June 28.
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