ILWU to reissue strike notice with the hope of returning to the bargaining table

NEWS RELEASE

ILWU to reissue strike notice with the hope of returning to the bargaining table

The ILWU’s strike against the BCMEA for a negotiated collective agreement that provides fair compensation to the workers who work at the ports and which protects their job security continues after the ruling from CIRB today.

The ILWU has been in a legal strike position since July 1, but suspended picketing at the request of the Minister of Labour while the ILWU considered a collective agreement with settlement terms suggested by a mediator.

As required by our constitution, the ILWU contract caucus considered the tentative contract in a two-day meeting. The caucus was not satisfied the mediator’s deal met the membership’s goals and directed the bargaining committee to seek a negotiated agreement. After advising the Minister of Labour and the BCMEA, the ILWU resumed its lawful picketing activities.

Although the ILWU removed its picket lines voluntarily while it considered the tentative agreement, the BCMEA decided to exploit our good faith move by complaining to the CIRB that the ILWU has commenced a new strike for which 72 hours notice was required.

The ILWU has followed Canadian labour law which holds that a strike continues from the moment of job action until the ratification of a collective agreement. The CIRB however, did not follow the established cases, and determined that new strike notice was required. The ILWU will appeal the CIRB decision but will respect the ruling and reissue notice.

The ILWU regrets the economic impact of this labour dispute and that government interference such as the CIRB order will only serve to lengthen the strike. We once again ask the government to allow free collective bargaining to occur and allow the longshore workers to use the options allowed by the Canada Labour Code,

Rob Ashton

President – ILWU Canada