British Columbia Maritime Employers Association

Canada Labor Secretary Steven MacKinnon asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order operations to resume at the ports of Montreal, Vancouver and Prince Rupert and send employers and longshore unions back to the bargaining table.

Longshore workers and employers reach tentative agreement on a contract, putting a quick end to what would have been a costly disruption for Canada’s economy.

Move effectively brings Port of Vancouver, Canada’s single largest trade hub, to a standstill as longshore union and employers press on in federally mediated negotiations.

Escalation in labor dispute threatens to put a stop to maritime trade across the province, including Vancouver.