by Mattia Micheli, SeaNewsEditor

According to the latest British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) update, Local 514 of the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) has confirmed its intention to strike. No strike date has yet been given.

"At time of writing, neither Party has issued 72-hour notice of strike or lockout, nor have there been any labour disruptions. Regular cargo and passenger operations at British Columbia's ports continue uninterrupted, " said the BCMEA.

The actions are a way to maintain pressure after the current agreement between BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 expired on 31 March 2023.

The last strike attempt was at the beginning of July, but it was deemed illegal by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

Later that month, the ILWU legal representatives communicated the intention to hold an industry-wide strike vote. This has now taken place, and ILWU has confirmed it has a mandate to strike.

If the looming port strike in Canada proceeds, it will disrupt supply chains at the key ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, just as they begin to recover from recent railway strikes.

The parties are scheduled to continue the CIRB hearing next week.