Local 514 Bargaining Update

The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514 (Local 514) have been engaged in negotiations with the assistance of conciliation officers from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services since January 19, 2024.  

In anticipation of the conclusion of the initial 60-day conciliation period on March 19, 2024, the Parties have mutually agreed to a 30-day extension to conciliation. This agreement extends the conciliation period up to April 18, 2024. At the end of the conciliation period, the 21-day cooling-off period begins (up to May 9, 2024). Any further extension to the conciliation period can only be made by mutual consent of the parties. Accordingly, the Parties have meeting dates scheduled in April.  

The BCMEA continues to believe that the best deals are achieved at the table and are confident that a negotiated settlement is possible with conciliation. The BCMEA is committed to working with the Conciliation Officers in this renewed conciliation period to negotiate a balanced agreement with Local 514 that provides stability to Canada’s supply chain while recognizing the skills and efforts of the approximately 730 active forepersons working at B.C. ports.  

Last updated: March 19, 2024, 3:30 PT