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Labor Unrest Spreads Across Canadian Ports, Strikes Disrupt Key Trade Routes

Maggie Johnson

Labor lockouts at the Canadian ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver have entered their third day, with no resolution in sight. Negotiations between the labor union and employers remain at an impasse, exacerbating supply chain disruptions as the number of vessels waiting off the ports continues to rise.

The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) confirmed that no talks have taken place with representatives from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514 (ILWU) since the lockout began on November 4. Industry groups are increasingly concerned about the growing economic impact and are calling for federal intervention.

Several large vessels, including the YM Plum, SM Qingdao, CMA CGM Orfeo, ESL Nhava Sheva, and Marcos V, are stuck off Vancouver Island, unable to dock. The strikes have already disrupted an estimated $577 million in daily trade, with no clear end in sight as both parties refuse to compromise.

In addition to the lockouts on the West Coast, labor unrest has spread to the Port of Montreal. On November 1, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 375 (CUPE) initiated a strike over issues related to job security, wages, and working conditions. While negotiations between CUPE and the Maritime Employers Association are ongoing, the strike has added further strain to Canada’s already stressed port operations.

With labor disputes continuing at multiple key ports, the economic toll is mounting, and industries reliant on these vital gateways are urging the federal government to intervene and resolve the situation swiftly.

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