BCMEA Sets the Record Straight on ILWU Local Leadership Claims
Throughout nearly two years of negotiations with ILWU Local 514, the BCMEA has prioritized getting to a reasonable, balanced deal that recognizes the hard work of the 730 forepersons working at Canada’s West Coast ports.
This effort is despite the ongoing issues with the conduct of ILWU Local 514 leadership, including President Frank Morena. Over the past six months, ILWU Local 514 leadership has been found to have bargained in bad faith by the Canada Industrial Relations Board three times, including an attempt at an illegal strike in July 2024.
THE FACTS
The only reason there is a labour disruption shutting down Canada’s West Coast ports is because Mr. Morena initiated industry-wide strike action effective 0800 PT November 4. The BCMEA is asking ILWU Local 514 leadership to sign a similar agreement that their Longshore counterparts agreed to after a prolonged dispute in July 2023. Many of the issues the union leadership claims are in contention were effectively solved with the Longshore agreement. Instead of meaningfully considering the industry’s final offer, ILWU Local 514’s leadership issued industry-wide strike notice with strike activity commencing this morning.
Other resources & updates:
STATUS: BCMEA Negotiation Updates
MEDIA: Canadian Press (Nov 1)
MEDIA: CBC News (Nov 5)
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