Port Employers in BC Announce Lockout Notice Amid Labour Dispute With Foremen Union

Ports in British Columbia are preparing for a potential provincewide labor disruption as employers announce plans to lock out union members representing over 700 foremen following a strike notice.

The BC Maritime Employers Association has issued a formal notice stating their intention to defensively lock out members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 starting Monday at 8 a.m. This lockout would halt all cargo operations among association members throughout B.C. in order to ensure a safe wind-down of operations amid escalating strike actions.

The union had issued a 72-hour strike notice for job action starting Monday at 8 a.m. after failed mediated talks this week, stemming from a dispute that began after the expiration of the last contract in March 2023.

Local 514 president, Frank Morena, expressed frustration with the employers’ response, stating that workers had planned limited job action through an overtime ban and refusal to implement tech changes. Morena accused the employers of overreacting and provoking a full-scale lockout.

Workers are upset over the employers’ alleged refusal to negotiate on major issues such as manning requirements amid increasing port automation. They view the lockout as an attempt to pressure the federal government to intervene in the dispute.

Morena stated in the union’s release that they had been attempting to negotiate a new contract without resorting to job action since the expiration of the previous contract but were met with refusal from BCMEA employers. The union feels the employers are creating a crisis rather than engaging in negotiations.

The union also criticized the employers for skipping negotiations on the last scheduled day of talks this week without prior notice. Morena questioned the employers’ commitment to reaching an agreement.

The employers’ association mentioned that their final offer to the union remains available for acceptance unless withdrawn. They emphasized that the decision to lock out was taken after careful consideration of the union’s actions and strike notices.

The employers are open to rescinding the lockout notice if the union withdraws its strike notice.

Recent disruptions at the Port of Vancouver due to labor unrest were highlighted, citing picketing efforts at grain terminals, railway work stoppages, and a previous port worker strike.

The current dispute involves DP World, with the union expressing attempts to negotiate directly but being prevented by the Canada Industrial Relations Board due to its ruling against bargaining with a single employer.

The union reported members voting overwhelmingly in favor of strike action if needed.