B.C. port dispute: $800 million worth of goods held up daily, business council says

The Business Council of B.C. is urging the federal government to intervene in the labor dispute unfolding at the province’s ports, which hold hundreds of millions of dollars worth of goods every day.

The BC Maritime Employers Association launched a lockout against about 700 foremen on Monday, hours after the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 began strike activity.

The BCBC, which represents more than 200 of the province’s largest employers, said port operations are “vital” to Canada’s economy.

“What people don’t understand are the long-term consequences of Canada now not being seen as a reliable place to do business,” said Laura Jones, president and CEO of the council.

“People are going to take their business elsewhere. So what does that mean? That means less employment.”

She acknowledged the complexity of labor negotiations and the importance of reaching a fair deal, but said the dispute has disrupted the flow of $800 million of goods a day.

“We are now calling on the federal government to intervene and use all available tools to achieve a quick resolution,” Jones said.

ILWU Local 514 has not spoken to the media since the vacancy campaign began. The BCMEA said talks have also not resumed since the lockout began.

The employer called its latest offer, submitted last week, “final” – and said that as long as the offer remains on the table, this could change as the shutdown continues.

With files from the Canadian Press