The deal worked out between federal mediators and the B-C Maritime Employers Association has been rejected by the 7400 port workers for a second time.
Workers are calling for their employers to negotiate directly, instead of doing so through the B-C Maritime Employers Association.
On July 18, the first set of contract negotiations were rejected, and picket lines returned to B.C. ports. That action was very short-lived, as the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the resumption of the strike lacked a 72-hour notice, deeming it illegal.
The most recent proposed deal was a 4-year tentative agreement, and the BCMEA said it was a fair deal that recognized the skills and efforts of B.C.’s waterfront workforce while providing certainty and stability for the future of Canada’s West Coast ports. It put a temporary pause on the 13-day port strike across 30 terminals, that prevented an estimated $10 billion in goods from moving earlier this month. The rejection raises the potential of seeing back-to-work legislation on the West Coast.

Upon hearing the news that the union members have rejected the mediated contract offer, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is extremely disappointed and concerned for Canada’s economy.
A release from CFIB states that after weeks of uncertainty, we are back at square one.
The release says the ports in BC must remain fully operational while negotiations continue, and if the union issues another 72-hour strike notice, the government will have to introduce back-to-work legislation in order to prevent further economic damage.