News Alert

Canadian West Coast Ports Update

Toronto, May 30, 2019

Vancouver port workers have been locked out by their employer as negotiations continue

The B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) confirmed that 6,500 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have been locked out as of 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30. This action is expected to cripple port operations in Vancouver.

Both parties have been meeting to address outstanding issues, however, a final agreement has not been reached at this stage.  A federal mediator imposed a news blackout as the latest round of negotiations got underway Wednesday, May 29, less than 24 hours before the lockout notice issued by the association was due to take effect.

Please note the following updates regarding this situation.

• Vancouver terminals, Global Container Terminals – Deltaport and Vanterm, DPW World – Centerm and Fraser Surrey Docks Limited have closed their truck gates as of Thursday, May 30.
• CP Rail has initiated an embargo application effective Friday, May 31 at 12:01 a.m. for all cargo destined to affected West Coast terminals.  CN Rail will continue to accept cargo destined to this area until Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m., however, they are monitoring the situation closely and will make necessary adjustments to cargo movement if need be.
• Steamship lines have commenced diverting vessels from Vancouver or in other cases, will go to anchorage until there are further updates on this situation.

We will continue to monitor this situation closely and advise accordingly.

For more information, please call David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 207.