B.C. port workers resume strike after union rejects tentative deal

July 19, 2023

Thousands of port workers across British Columbia are resuming strike activity after failing to ratify a tentative deal that was reached through federal mediation.

More than 7,400 workers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) had walked off the job from July 1 until July 13 over issues like port automation, outside contracting and the increasing cost of living.

A tentative agreement had been reached between the ILWU and their employer, the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), on July 13 after Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan asked for terms to end the strike, drawn up by a federal mediator.

However, the BCMEA said in a statement Tuesday that strike activity will resume due to ILWU's internal caucus rejecting the tentative agreement and not ratifying it.

On Tuesday night, O'Regan and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said workers and employers across the country "cannot face further disruption on the scale we saw last week."

"We are looking at all options. We will have more to say on this tomorrow," they said in a statement...

This was excerpted from the 18 July 2023 edition of CBC News.

Topic(s)

Freight & Transport

Information source

Canadian News Channel

Disclaimer

The foregoing information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, professional advice or a substitute for conducting your own thorough research and review. Before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information provided, you should conduct your own independent investigation and/or seek professional advice from a qualified expert in the relevant field. The CSCB disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.

What Our Community Says

“CSCB education gave me specialized, industry-recognized knowledge and practical skills that not only helped prepare me for the CBSA professional exam but also set me apart as a confident and capable customs professional.”

– Sabrina, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“I would strongly recommend [the CCS course]. It is a valuable investment in one’s professional development, providing practical, industry-relevant knowledge while strengthening credibility. The program also equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate real-world challenges and make informed decisions in the field.”

– Sabrina, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“Achieving this designation has strengthened my professional credibility and demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning. Employers and colleagues view me as more knowledgeable and dependable in customs and trade-related matters.”

– Sabrina, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“The course content was highly relevant, practical, and closely aligned with real-world customs processes. It struck an effective balance between theory and application, making it easy to apply what I learned to my day-to-day responsibilities.”

– Sabrina, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“I recognized that many organizations value professional designations, and I wanted to remain competitive while aligning myself with industry standards. Pursuing this designation also helped me prepare for the Canada Border Services Agency professional exam, further strengthening my readiness for advancement within the field.”

– Sabrina, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“[I would recommend the CCS course] it gives a great framework and covers board topics. It is very helpful to people entering the field.”

– Kwan, a CCS course graduate

“I was able to complete the CBSA professional exam with the knowledge from the CSCB training.”

– Kwan, a CCS course graduate

“All modules [in the CCS course] are insightful, I appreciate all the calculation module with the complication of duties, taxes and surtax that was covered.”

– Kwan, a CCS course graduate

“Maintaining my CCS and CTCS designations demonstrate to employers that despite working within Education for the past 15 years, I am still up to date with the current requirements and changes within the customs industry.”

– Donna, a CCS and CTCS Designate

“The CCS program is well presented and relevant for today’s workforce. It provides the key education required for entry-level employees... The breadth of the information is valuable – from cargo requirements to Incoterms to SIMA to basic tariff classification - it introduces individuals to all the key requirements to get started in a role.”

– Donna, a CCS and CTCS Designate