Vancouver, British Columbia, January 16, 2012—The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, congratulated the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 on reaching a tentative eight-year agreement. The ILWU’s unit of nearly 500 foremen have been without a collective agreement since March 31, 2010.
“With the global economy still recovering, our government is committed to protecting Canada’s economy,” said Minister Raitt. “I am pleased that the BCMEA and the ILWU Local 514 have worked together to establish a tentative collective agreement.”
Last year, the BCMEA and the ILWU, representing approximately 4,500 longshoremen, reached a historic eight-year agreement with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
“British Columbia’s ports and the people who keep them running play a vital role in the Canadian economy,” said Minister Raitt. “I look forward to the ratification of this agreement and am happy to say that these agreements will ensure the ports’ long-term labour stability and will assist in Canada’s economic recovery.”
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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