BCMEA issues coastwide lockout notice following ILWU strike announcement
The B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) issued a formal coastwide lockout notice on Oct. 31 in response to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s (ILWU) second strike notice, set to begin on Monday, Nov. 4, at 8:00 a.m. PT.
Citing concerns over unpredictable and escalating strike action, the BCMEA described the lockout as a defensive measure to maintain stability across B.C.’s ports. The ILWU Local 514’s notice is expected to cause widespread disruption to B.C.’s waterfront operations, with possible escalation into a complete labor withdrawal without notice, according to BCMEA.
To facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down, the BCMEA announced plans to lock out all ILWU Local 514 members as needed, effectively halting cargo operations for BCMEA member companies across the province. The lockout will exclude longshoring operations on grain vessels and cruise operations.
However, BCMEA said in the statement that “in the interest of all Canadians,” the industry is prepared to rescind lockout notice if the union chooses to withdraw its strike notice.
BCMEA offers 19.2% wage increase, $21,000 lump sum
This follows what BCMEA describes as continued deadlock and ILWU Local 514’s refusal to progress bargaining discussions.
The association shared that it met with the union this week, but felt progress was hindered by what they described as regressive proposals.
On Wednesday, BCMEA presented a “balanced and competitive final offer” that includes a 19.2% wage increase, expected to raise median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617 annually, not including benefits. The offer also includes a cumulative lump sum payment averaging $21,000, which would cover retroactive pay and a signing bonus, contingent upon acceptance by mid-December. The BCMEA’s offer remains open until withdrawn.
“We did not arrive to this decision lightly. This regretful action follows thorough consideration of ILWU Local 514’s continued intransigence and their provocative decision to proceed with another strike notice, despite being found to have been bargaining in bad faith on three occasions,” said BCMEA’s Rob MacKay-Dunn, vice-president of government and public affairs, in a release. “ILWU Local 514 continues to put Canada’s supply chain and all those that depend on it at risk with its repeated inflammatory and disruptive behavior. “
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