Statement by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

May 28, 2019                Gatineau, Quebec                    Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, issued the following statement regarding the collective bargaining negotiations between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union – Canada (ILWU):

“On May 27, 2019, at 7 a.m. PT, targeted job action began at GCT Deltaport and GCT Vanterm, two container terminals at the Port of Vancouver.

Today, the BCMEA issued a notice that a lockout will begin on May 30, 2019, at 8 a.m. PT. This lockout will affect all BCMEA member companies that employ members of the ILWU‎ under the terms of the expired collective agreement between the parties.

The lockout will not affect cruise ships or employees required to service grain vessels in accordance‎ with section 87.7 (1) of the Canada Labour Code.

The Government of Canada supports and has faith in the collective bargaining process. Minister Garneau and I have reached out to both parties on numerous occasions to encourage them to reach a deal. I am disappointed an agreement has not been reached and expect both parties to negotiate an agreement as soon as possible.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service team is assisting the parties, and we will continue to provide support during their bargaining to help the parties reach an agreement.”

Associated Links
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Canada.ca

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