An investigation into a strike by the International Longshore Warehouse Union’s (ILWU) strike notice was found to be in bad faith.
The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) held a conference yesterday, at the request of the BC Maritimes Employers Association, after the union threatened strike action was to be taken today after negotiations around certainty and stability fell through.
The judgement from the CIRB says the union’s decision to strike was in contravention to the Canada Labour Code and advised the union to rescind the strike notice issued on July 5.
“The CIRB found the union failed to bargain in good faith when it conducted a strike vote amongst employees of only one member employer of the BCMEA,” says the report from the CIRB. “Accordingly, we have directed the union to rescind the strike notice of July 5, 2024, and advise members that it’s rescinded.”
They say the union’s Nanaimo dispatch proposal was illegal and therefore the union’s proposal had to be withdrawn.
The BCMEA says they’re disappointed steps had to be taken to ensure the stability of Canada’s West Coast ports, but adds they’re pleased with the outcome.
A hearing to address the outstanding DP World manning proposal of the union is slated for Aug. 6 to 9, 2024, but the BCMEA is alleging the hearing is illegal.
