Latest updates on the West Coast Port shutdown
July 5, 2023Essentially no container traffic is moving through Canada’s West Coast Ports as the result of strike action (which began July 1, 2023) by the International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) against B.C. Maritime Employers.
RCC and other business associations have asked the Federal Government to recall Parliament to take action to end the strike, which is estimated to cost the Canadian economy $1-billion per day. At this point, Government seems content to let negotiations continue, although the B.C. Maritime Employers issued a bleak update Sunday saying there was no further avenue to reach a deal. Retailers’ concerns include possible ILWU actions against containers diverted from Canadian West Coast ports to other facilities.
RCC is working on a number of communications products regarding the strike, including a letter to be issued tomorrow that we have signed with other business associations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. We are also working on a template letter for our members.
For questions or more information contact
Greg Wilson
Director, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs
gwilson@retailcouncil.org
