ILWU Canada issued a statement yesterday announcing that their union’s assembly rejected the tentative agreement presented by the mediators, saying they do not believe “the recommendations had the ability to protect our jobs now or into the future.”

“With the record profits that the BCMEA’s member companies have earned over the last few years, the employers have not addressed the cost-of-living issues that our workers have faced over the last couple of years as all workers have,” added the statement.

As a result, members of the union decided to go back on strike, starting 18 July at 16:30 PST.

The Port of Vancouver issued an advisory informing customers that “Centerm, Deltaport, Fraser Surrey, and Vanterm container terminals are currently impacted by labour action. As of July 18, seven container vessels are at berth, and nine are awaiting entry into the port’s jurisdiction.”

From its side, the BCMEA expressed its regret to the news and claimed that the tentative agreement was “fair and comprehensive.” The association also criticised how the union rejected the deal without putting it to vote by members.

“In rejecting this tentative agreement, ILWU Leadership is choosing to further harm Canada’s economy, international reputation and most importantly, to Canadians, their livelihoods and all those that rely on a stable supply chain,” said the BCMEA in a press release.

Shipping experts believe the labour action, which continued for 13 days, had a severe negative effect on the country’s supply chain. A renewed action is likely to complicate matters further, especially since the strike remains indefinite with no end date announced.