International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals to Vote on Possible Strike Action This Week

Port workers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will vote on whether or not to strike later this week.

In total, the Union represents more than 7,200 employees tasked with loading and unloading cargo at ports across the province.

Negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement with the BC Maritime Employers Association have been underway since February.

A conciliation process was launched on March 28th, two days before their current contract expired, and wrapped-up on June 1st.

That kicked off a 21-day cooling off period during which neither side can issue a 72-hour strike notice, or begin striking.

While the ILWU Longshore Locals will be conducting their vote this Friday and Saturday, the earliest a strike can take effect is June 24th.