Expert deems silence during BC port lockout as uncommon as retailers emphasize urgency

Canadian retailers are expressing frustration about the lack of progress in resolving disruptions at Canada’s two largest ports, particularly the ongoing lockout at British Columbia ports, now in its fourth day.

Matt Poirier from the Retail Council of Canada notes a lack of urgency in addressing the disputes in B.C. and Quebec, warning of potential empty shelves as the holiday season approaches.

Poirier describes the situation as a “triple-threat” of labor issues, citing troubles at Canada Post, the lockout at B.C. ports including Vancouver, and a strike shutting down container terminals in Montreal.

He warns of a significant impact on holiday deliveries, with four days of port disruptions potentially causing a month of delays due to supply chain disruptions.

In B.C., the lockout by the BC Maritime Employers Association is met with silence from all parties involved, with no talks scheduled or taking place.

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Labor expert Mark Thompson notes that it seems the employers are taking a tough stance with a final offer to the union, but the federal government is cautious about intervening due to labor rights protections in the Canadian constitution.

Thompson remarks, “I think we’re in a kind of dance out there. Somebody’s waiting for the other side to back down, and it hasn’t happened yet.”

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 reports no updates, with picketers still present at terminal sites across B.C.

Questions about the situation were directed to a social media post by federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon, emphasizing the responsibility of the parties involved to reach an agreement.

The dispute stems from issues related to port automation and unionized workers, arising from an expired agreement between employers and the union last year.

This dispute follows a previous conflict between employers and cargo workers, resulting in a 13-day strike at B.C. ports.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port, has faced disruptions involving railways and grain terminal workers recently.

Meanwhile, Peter Xotta, president, and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, was scheduled to discuss the port’s status at an event hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.