BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Continued Strike at the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert

In light of the strike by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) entering its fifth day and the decision by the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) to step back from bargaining, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement:

“The continued shutdown of Canada’s busiest and third busiest ports, where as much as $800 million worth of cargo is moved daily, is untenable. Every day the job action remains unresolved increases impacts on Canadians, businesses and our economy. Without swift resolution, this strike will become dire for every organization that relies on international supply chains to produce, supply and sell goods or services.  

“On behalf of the 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and the 36,000 businesses that we represent, we are calling on the parties to resume negotiations immediately and commit to finding a mutually acceptable resolution to the impasse. 

“If negotiations do not bring resolution to the labour action, the federal government must act with urgency to facilitate an end to the strike.”