Industry Update: Canadian Port Strike Averted – Union Withdraws Notice After Trudeau Meeting

July 21, 2023 – Canadian province of British Columbia averted a potential port strike as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with top officials following the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada’s renewal of a 72-hour strike notice. Fortunately, the union later withdrew the notice, which had been set for July 22 at 9 a.m. According to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the union can’t resume strike action without filing another notice.

Earlier this month, British Columbia’s ports were frozen for nearly two weeks due to the strike initiated by around 7,400 workers at over 30 terminals and other sites on July 1. Although work had resumed briefly after a tentative deal was drafted, the union caucus rejected the four-year contract, leading to a temporary return to picket lines. The Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled this action unlawful, requiring the union to provide proper 72-hour notice before striking again.

The situation remains sensitive, with both workers and employers hoping to avoid further disruptions in Canada’s west coast ports, which hold significant economic importance.

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