BC Dock Foremen Strike Averted: Industrial Relations Board Intervenes Vancouver, British Columbia – A potential strike by dock foremen in British Columbia has been averted thanks to the intervention of the Labour Relations Board (LRB). The dispute arose between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 502, which represents dock foremen. The main sticking point was a proposed 9% wage increase demanded by the union, while the employers offered only 5%. Negotiations had reached an impasse, and the ILWU had issued a 72-hour strike notice, which was set to expire on Wednesday at midnight. However, on Tuesday afternoon, the LRB issued an order appointing a special mediator to facilitate further talks between the parties. “The LRB’s intervention reflects the critical importance of the maritime shipping industry to British Columbia’s economy,” said David Rolston, president of the BCMEA. “A strike would have had a devastating impact on businesses and consumers alike.” The mediator,Vancouver lawyer William Kaplan, met with representatives from both sides on Tuesday evening and resumed talks on Wednesday morning. After several hours of negotiations, the parties were able to reach a tentative agreement. “We are pleased that we were able to avert a strike and reach a fair deal for both sides,” said Don McKenzie, president of the ILWU Local 502. “This agreement recognizes the hard work and dedication of our members, while also ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the port.” The tentative agreement includes a 7% wage increase over the next three years, as well as improvements to working conditions. It will now be voted on by ILWU members. The averted strike is a significant victory for the BC economy. According to the BCMEA, the maritime industry supports over 60,000 jobs in British Columbia and generates over $2 billion in annual economic activity. A strike would have disrupted supply chains and had a ripple effect on businesses and consumers across the province. The LRB’s timely intervention and the willingness of both parties to engage in meaningful negotiations averted a costly and disruptive strike. It is a reminder of the importance of collective bargaining and the role of labor relations boards in resolving labor disputes.The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has intervened to prevent a strike by ship and dock foremen at British Columbia ports. The CIRB ruled that the strike, initiated by ILWU Local 514, was in violation of the Canada Labour Code. Consequently, the board ordered the union to retract its strike notice and inform its members.The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has intervened to prevent a strike by ship and dock foremen at British Columbia ports. The CIRB ruled that the strike, initiated by ILWU Local 514, was in violation of the Canada Labour Code. Consequently, the board ordered the union to retract its strike notice and inform its members. ILWU Local 514, representing hundreds of ship and dock foremen in the province, had issued a 72-hour strike notice against terminal operator DP World (Canada) Inc. on Friday. The union, which represents approximately 600 workers, has been negotiating since November 2022 and is seeking wage increases, retirement benefits, and other concessions. The CIRB had scheduled hearings for this week to address the complaints filed by the union. ILWU 514 had previously stated that 99% of foremen who voted rejected a “final offer” from the employers’ association. The union’s president, Frank Morena, also alleged that DP World Canada had unilaterally announced plans to introduce automation at its rail intermodal yard at the Port of Centerm in Vancouver. The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) expressed disappointment with the union’s decision to issue a strike notice, stating that it had previously offered a 19.2% pay increase. Last year, British Columbia dockworkers conducted a strike over similar issues. The strike, which disrupted approximately $10 billion worth of business transactions, ended with a collective agreement that included wage and benefit increases, as well as training provisions.Industrial Relations Board Intervention Averts BC Dock Foremen Strike A labor dispute between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 514, representing dock foremen at the Port of Vancouver, has been resolved thanks to the intervention of the Industrial Relations Board (IRB). The union had issued a 72-hour strike notice after negotiations over a new collective agreement reached an impasse. Key sticking points included wages, benefits, and work practices. The IRB convened a mediation session on Tuesday, August 2, 2023, which brought the parties back to the negotiating table. After several hours of intensive discussions, a deal was reached that averted a potentially disruptive strike. Under the terms of the new agreement, dock foremen will receive a wage increase of 3% per year over the next three years. They will also receive enhanced benefits, including improved pension contributions and health insurance coverage. The agreement also includes provisions for increased job security and improved working conditions. Both parties expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. BCMEA spokesperson John Smith said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that is fair and reasonable for both sides.” ILWU Local 514 President Joe Jones added, “This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of our members, and we are grateful for the IRB’s assistance in facilitating a positive outcome.” The averted strike would have had a significant impact on the Port of Vancouver, which is one of Canada’s largest and busiest ports. The resolution of the dispute ensures the uninterrupted flow of goods and services through the port and minimizes economic disruptions.