Industry News News
Manufacturers hopeful for B.C. port strike resolution

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is hopeful the B.C. ports labour dispute is resolved after a new tentative agreement has been reached between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

“The situation is costing Canadian manufacturers an average of $207,000 per day. Manufacturers cannot afford any more disruption to our west coast ports. We urge the federal government to hold the parties accountable to ensure swift ratification of the new deal. If the tentative deal is not successfully concluded by both parties, the federal government should recall Parliament to bring in back-to-work legislation to get our goods moving again,” CME said in a statement.

The original 13-day strike, followed by the unsettled strike situation this week, has severely impacted manufacturing, the Canadian economy, and our global reputation as a reliable place to do business, the association added.

CME is calling for reforms that would make critical transportation infrastructure – like ports –essential “to create the predictability and stability that all manufacturers need.”

CME president and CEO Dennis Darby said, “We are closely watching the situation and remain hopeful for a successful resolution. However, manufacturers and our economy cannot continue to withstand these disruptions that are severely impacting our sector. We need the federal government to seriously consider measures to ensure stability in manufacturing.”