Potential Strike Threatens Vancouver and Prince Rupert Ports: ILWU Canada Demands Wage Increases and Raises Automation Concerns and West Coast Update

ILWU Canada issues strike threat at Vancouver and Prince Rupert Ports.

ILWU Canada has issued a warning of a potential strike at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The union is seeking significant wage increases and expressing concerns about the potential automation of cargo-handling equipment at a planned marine terminal in Vancouver. The vote to decide on the strike will take place on Thursday the 8th and Friday the 9th. Vancouver and Prince Rupert are major gateways for U.S. cargoes with direct rail services to Chicago. This situation of potential labor disruptions on both the U.S. and Canadian West Coasts is unprecedented. The union has previously sought assistance from the Canadian federal government to reach a new contract with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association. In May 2019, a similar contract negotiation issue resulted in a brief lockout of ILWU workers in Vancouver.

Following yesterday and this weekend’s closers and disruption, all terminals at LGB/LAX ports are working normal as of this morning. No closures announced. Noatum will continue to monitor this situation as it develops, and release updates as received.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Noatum Logistics representative.