The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has announced a strike at DP World Canada starting Monday at 4:30 PM. This action has prompted the B.C. Maritime Employers’ Association (BCMEA) to declare a lockout of Local 514 workers across all cargo docks in British Columbia, excluding grain terminals and cruise lines.
The BCMEA has requested the Canada Industrial Relations Board to intervene before the strike commences, with hearings already scheduled for the coming week.
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The conflict arises from DP World’s plan to implement automated systems at a Vancouver rail yard, a move the ILWU opposes due to fears of job losses. The union overwhelmingly rejected DP World’s final contract offer, which included a 19% wage increase, over concerns about automation, wages, and retirement benefits.
Despite this dispute, the ILWU and BCMEA have successfully negotiated agreements in the past, including a comprehensive deal last fall covering over 7,000 longshoremen in the province.