Breakthrough in B.C. port dispute as new tentative deal is reached

A late-night breakthrough could herald an end to British Columbia’s long-running port dispute, with the longshore workers’ union and the employers’ association announcing a new tentative agreement.

Details of the deal haven’t been released, but both sides say in a joint statement issued Sunday night that they are recommending their members to ratify it.

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The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) say the new tentative deal was reached with the assistance of the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The dispute, which initially saw workers walk off the job at more than 30 port terminals and other sites for 13 days at the beginning of July, entered a new phase late Friday night when members of the union rejected a previous potential agreement with employers.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan took to Twitter Monday morning to weigh in on the latest development.

He confirmed the tentative agreement, adding “our ports are operating, but this deal — made by the parties — would mean long-term stability.”

O’Regan announced Saturday he was directing the industrial relations board to determine if a negotiated end to the dispute was still possible, and if not, to impose an agreement or final binding arbitration.

“This state of uncertainty cannot continue,” he said at the time.

O’Regan says the Canadian economy can’t face any further disruptions, adding the government is prepared for “all options and eventualities.”

“Canada is a reliable trading partner to the world. That is a good thing for every worker and employer in this country. But our credibility depends on the stable operation of our supply chains. We must do everything we can to preserve that stability,” he said.

Last night, the membership of the ILWU Canada voted to reject the tentative agreement with the BCMEA.

While our BC ports are operating right now, we need long-term stability.

My full statement: pic.twitter.com/eWCvIB0tRn

— Seamus O'Regan Jr (@SeamusORegan) July 29, 2023

Pressure had been mounting for federal intervention if a deal failed to eventuate.

Parties including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, the Business Council of Canada, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, have all urged the federal government to legislate an end to the dispute if it continued.

The days-long strike stopped billions of dollars’ worth of goods from moving in and out of some of the country’s busiest ports.