The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) released an official notice to the Canadian International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) indicating its intention to lockout dockworkers at the Canadian ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert beginning Thursday, May 30th at 8:00 am. The announcement trails the continuously tumultuous contract negotiations between BCMEA officials and ILWU membership, dating back to February 2018.

The lockout decision marks the latest escalation in the on-going labor disputes, which erupted as a result of ILWU laborers’ declination of overtime hours, as well as refusing early and/or late flex gates at Deltaport and Vanterm in Vancouver on May 27th.

According to the notice, the lockout will not include employees required to service grain vessels or employees involved in the operation of cruise ships.

Despite expressing dismay over the decision to potentially disrupt supply chain operations, the BCMEA notice reinforced the group’s firm commitment to the pursuit of an agreement with ILWU employees at the negotiating table, thus providing a morsel of hope that an end may be near (and possible).

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Our logistics experts are also keeping a keen eye on ISF-5 filings.