Canada: Unionized port workers in British Columbia resume strike as of July 18 /update 2

Event

Unionized port workers affiliated with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in British Columbia have resumed their strike as of late July 18 after rejecting a tentative agreement with members of the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). The proposed agreement July 13 ended a 13-day strike at ports throughout the province that began July 1 to demand higher salaries and improved protections for around 7,400 workers. The duration of the strike will depend on the success of negotiations.

Port and maritime shipping disruptions will almost certainly affect the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, Canada's only major international ports on the Pacific Ocean. Reduced access to international imports and exports is likely to disrupt businesses throughout Western Canada that depend on maritime shipping. Disruptions to passenger ferry and cruise ship operations are also possible. Protests, with accompanying heightened security and localized transit disruptions, could occur during the strike.

Advice

Prepare for disruptions to business activities dependent on freight shipping through British Columbia ports; consider alternative shipping methods for critical cargoes. Confirm the status of ferry and cruise ship services.