Prince Rupert Waterfront active again, following tempestuous summer of labour dispute

As we headed out on our summer break, the signs were hopeful of a settlement in the month long labour dispute between the ILWU and the BCMEA, a tentative deal struck and then in a surprising twist, that settlement fell apart, requiring some further discussions, all while the Federal Government warned that it was ready to step in to bring closure to the month long shutdown of the west coast port facilities.

Things finally found some resolution by month's end a joint statement from the two sides indicating that labour peace was finally at hand.

That short update, followed a few days later by a confirmation that the two sides were moving forward with the negotiated settlement that would return workers to their duties, with a four year contract in place. 

The results of the ILWU ratification vote released August 4th, noting of an acceptance of 74.66% of the membership that voted.

Following the ratification vote, the details of the negotiated settlement were obtained by Canadian Press, their overview included the Memorandum of Settlement between the ILWU and BCMEA.

That explored the contentious issue of contracting out, compensation through the Modernization and Mechanization retirement compensation elements, as well as the schedule of wage increases over the course of the four year agreement.

Terms of new contract that resolved BC Port dispute released

A review of the full course of the July labour dispute can be reviewed from our archive page here.