UPDATE:

May 14 Update: ILWU Local 500 posted the results of the strike vote held on May 8 and 9 on its website. More than 98 percent of the union’s members voted in favor of supporting strike action against the member companies of the B.C. Maritime Employers Association, if necessary. As noted in bulletins last week, BCMEA is “cautiously optimistic” that the two sides will come to an agreement, and further meetings have been scheduled.

The B.C. Maritime Employers Association yesterday provided notification that, over the course of two days, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union of Canada is planning a strike vote and all Locals have been directed to take a “yes vote.”

BCMEA presumes that ILWU Canada will receive a majority “yes vote” for its strike mandate; however, such an outcome does not mean that the Union will exercise its right to strike.

A strike could occur only if the Union:

• receives a mandate to strike;
• chooses to exercise that mandate within 60 days of obtaining it;
• provides 72-hour strike notice

BCMEA remains cautiously optimistic that the two sides will come to an agreement, as the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is in the process of scheduling further dates.

Delmar will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information is made available.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting your local Delmar Representative.

Source: CIFFA