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BCMEA / ILWU Contract Situation
January 12, 2009
Since December 30th, 2008 both parties have been in a legal position to issue a 72 strike / lockout notice. Neither has done so. On Sunday, January 2nd, 2009 ILWU Local 514 presented the BCMEA negotiating team with a proposal. The parties met again on January 9th, at which time the BCMEA tabled a comprehensive response to that proposal. Discussions continued, and while progress was made some key issues remain outstanding. Mediators have scheduled both parties to return to the bargaining table on Thursday, January 15th, 2009.
Port Metro Vancouver is pleased that discussions are continuing. We continue to respectfully urge both parties to find a resolution to their issues as soon as possible.
Please follow the link below for updates from the BCMEA on the status of negotiations:
British Columbia Maritime Employers Association website
For more information on the Port's position, please read the letter below from the Port to Canada's Federal Government expressing concern regarding the potential impact of any disruption to Port operations.
Port Metro Vancouver’s letter to the Federal Government
December 19, 2008
Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Labour
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister,
The unresolved and protracted negotiations between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) local 514 are poised to have a severe impact on the health and stability of Canadian trade through the Pacific Gateway. The contract pertains to the 450 ship and dock foremen who work in major ports throughout British Columbia and are represented by ILWU Local 514.
Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) is deeply concerned that a labour disruption resulting from these negotiations will significantly impact most of Canada’s west coast supply chains at a critical time in our economic history.
For example, approximately $200 million in cargo passes through Port Metro Vancouver every day. Port operations and businesses generate $10.5 billion in GDP and $20 billion in economic output each year, as well as 129,500 total jobs that earn $6.1 billion in wages across Canada. Labour disruptions of this magnitude would jeopardise the financial future of Canadian exporters and importers who already face significant pressures due to the current credit crisis and global economic uncertainties.
Faced with possible labour disruptions, Canadian exporters may be unable to find alternative gateways jeopardizing both their contractual obligations and business reputation. Canadian manufacturers relying on imports to support businesses such as the auto industry would be forced to seek expensive alternative routing through US ports while already struggling with soft retail demand. The resulting impacts to over 53,000 direct jobs that support Port operations would be considerable.
The prosperity of Canada’s Pacific Gateway is strongly tied to our reputation for providing stability and reliability for our customers. Families and communities across Canada rely on the Port for their economic and social well-being. Without resolution, Canada’s primary links to economies in the Asia-Pacific region may suffer significant and permanent damage affecting all Canadians.
While we hope that the parties will find resolution to their issues, we respectfully urge the Federal Government to use whatever avenues are available to prevent any disruption to operations at British Columbia’s West Coast Ports.
Your Sincerely,
Captain Gordon Houston
President and Chief Executive Officer
Port Metro Vancouver
CC:
Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
Premier Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia
Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transport, British Columbia
Duncan Wilson, Senior Manager, National and Aboriginal Affairs, Port Metro Vancouver