Port workers in Canada’s largest ports in Vancouver, British Columbia, began strike actions on Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. PST and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association locked workers out at 4:30 p.m.
As of Wednesday afternoon, port operations in the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert were at a standstill as negotiations continued between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association. Union workers have raised concerns over wages and working conditions.
Dockworkers in the Port of Montreal have also been on a partial strike, blocking 40% of container traffic. Potash, coal, pulse crops, beef, pork and forestry products are some of the commodities affected.
“Alberta’s government is disappointed and dismayed that yet another work stoppage is occurring in Canada’s transportation sector that has the potential to create widespread damage to Canadians, our country’s economy and our reputation as a reliable trading partner,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen in a statement.
