Expert says silence in B.C. port lockout unusual while retailers call for urgency
November 8, 2024Canadian retailers say their frustration is growing with the lack of movement to resolve disruptions at Canada’s two largest ports, including silence surrounding a lockout at British Columbia ports that is into its fourth day.
Matt Poirier with the Retail Council of Canada says there “doesn’t seem to be any urgency” in resolving the disputes in B.C. and Quebec and it may result in empty shelves as the holiday season approaches.
Poirier describes the situation as a “triple-threat” of labour disruptions, referencing uncertainty at Canada Post, the ongoing lockout of unionized workers at B.C. ports including Vancouver, as well as a strike that has closed two container terminals indefinitely in Montreal.
Poirier says retailers could face a “staggering” impact on the holiday season “where every delivery counts,” with four days of port disruptions potentially equating to about a month in delays due to ripples in the supply chain.
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