West Coast ports in Canada plan to strike

Following a landslide vote near prominent Canadian West Coast ports, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) of Canada has issued a notice of its plans to strike starting Saturday, July 1. Earlier this month, ILWU Canada voted in favor of a strike at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, reporting over 99% in support of the action. The vote coincided with a 21-day cooling-off period between the British Maritime Employers Association and ILWU Canada.

Operational port updates

According to the Journal of Commerce, there have been no operational slowdowns reported at British Columbia ports, and cargo is moving promptly. The potential impact of a strike on container operations at Vancouver is unclear at this point.

Vital gateways for US cargoes

Vancouver and Prince Rupert, two crucial gateways for US cargoes, are integral components of Canada's maritime infrastructure. According to CNBC, approximately 15% of container trade moving through the Port of Vancouver is destined to or from the US, and approximately 2% of US international laden imports arriving at West Coast ports each year move through the Port of Vancouver.

Vancouver, the largest container port in Canada, handles a substantial volume of cargo traffic. Its strategic location on the Pacific coast makes it an essential hub for international trade, connecting Asia and North America. Meanwhile, Prince Rupert, ranking third in terms of container traffic in Canada, plays a critical role in facilitating trade between the western provinces and global markets.

Agreement reached in the US

The potential strike in Canada arrives two weeks subsequent to the tentative agreement reached between the ILWU on the US West Coast and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), following 13 months of prolonged negotiations for a new six-year contract. Should you have any questions, please reach out to your local DSV representative.