Canadian port workers authorize strike in landslide vote, a 'significant blow' to West Coast trade

West Coast Port Workers Vote to Strike, Raising Concerns About Global Supply Chains

Workers at Canada's West Coast ports have overwhelmingly voted to strike, raising concerns about the impact on global supply chains.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Canada said that 99.24% of its members voted in favor of a strike. The union has not yet issued a strike notice, but it has said that it is prepared to walk off the job if a deal is not reached with the employers.

A strike would have a significant impact on the movement of goods through the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Delta. These ports handle about $200 billion worth of cargo each year, and a strike could lead to delays and disruptions in the supply chains of businesses around the world.

The ILWU is seeking better wages and working conditions for its members. The union says that the employers have not made a fair offer, and that the workers are being asked to make too many concessions.

The employers have said that they are willing to negotiate, but that they cannot afford to meet all of the union's demands. They say that a strike would be harmful to the economy and to the workers themselves.

The Canadian government is also concerned about the potential impact of a strike. The government has said that it is working to help the two sides reach a deal, but that it cannot force them to settle.

The strike vote is a sign of the growing tension between workers and employers in the global supply chain. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains around the world, and workers are demanding better wages and working conditions. Employers are facing pressure to keep costs down, and they are resisting the workers' demands.

A strike at the West Coast ports would be a major disruption to the global supply chain. It would cause delays and disruptions in the movement of goods, and it would push up prices for consumers. The strike would also have a negative impact on the economies of Canada and the United States.

The two sides are scheduled to resume negotiations on Monday. It is unclear if they will be able to reach a deal before the workers walk off the job.

Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/12/ilwu-canada-west-coast-port-workers-support-strike-in-landslide-vote.html