BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 to Resume CIRB Hearing Amid Industry-Wide Strike Vote

07 Aug BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 to Resume CIRB Hearing Amid Industry-Wide Strike Vote

The BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 are set to resume the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) hearing from August 6 to August 9, 2024. This hearing will address the union’s DP World (Canada) Inc. manning proposal, which the BCMEA alleges to be illegal and indicative of bargaining in bad faith.

Following a scheduled case management meeting with the CIRB, ILWU Local 514’s legal counsel informed the parties that the union would be conducting an industry-wide strike vote, inclusive of all its members, in the coming weeks. The union stated that the vote would take at least until August 9, 2024, to complete. Their legal counsel assured that no 72-hour strike notice would be served until the vote was completed, if at all. In the coming days, ILWU Local 514 is expected to conduct votes at BCMEA member terminals across the province.

ILWU Local 514’s decision to proceed with an industry-wide strike vote is regrettable but predictable, given the CIRB’s July 7, 2024, decision which deemed the union’s previous strike vote and related strike notice to DP World (Canada) Inc. illegal.

Despite the uncertainty created by ILWU Local 514’s actions, the BCMEA remains committed to achieving a fair settlement that benefits the 730 hardworking forepersons and their families, while ensuring that West Coast ports remain reliable, competitive, and affordable for all Canadians.

The BCMEA has previously offered a 19.2% wage increase, which would enhance the median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617 annually, excluding benefits and pension. On average, eligible workers would receive a cumulative lump sum payment of approximately $15,000, inclusive of a signing bonus and retroactive pay increases.

We will provide updates as appropriate.