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Home » BCMEA and ILWU Canada Begin 21-day Cooling Off Period

BCMEA and ILWU Canada Begin 21-day Cooling Off Period

BCMEA and ILWU Canada Begin 21-day Cooling Off Period

Since March 28, 2023, the BCMEA and ILWU Canada have been engaged in the conciliation process, guided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). As the conciliation period has concluded, negotiations now enter a 21-day cooling off period ending June 21, 2023.

During the cooling off period, Parties acquire the legal right to strike or lockout, but may not exercise their right to strike or lockout until:

  • 21 days have passed since the end of the conciliation process;
  • a strike or lockout vote has been taken; and
  • a 72-hour strike notice has been given.

The parties have agreed that no 72-hour strike or lockout notice will be filed before June 21, if at all. The earliest either Party could exercise their legal right to strike or lockout is 12:01am on June 24, 2023. The Parties are scheduled to continue to meet during this period with the assistance of FMCS.

We know stability at our West Coast ports is paramount to Canada’s economic and social well-being. The BCMEA will continue to approach the negotiations with a commitment to bargaining in good faith and reaching a fair and balanced deal that recognizes the expertise of the waterfront workforce, while ensuring West Coast ports remain competitive, resilient and affordable for all Canadians.