B.C. port labour disruption begins [Video]

British Columbia is bracing for another labour disruption at all ports.

A province-wide lockout of more than 700 unionized foremen is expected to begin Monday.

On Thursday, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 issued a 72-hour notice for job action that would begin Monday morning.

The move prompted the BC Maritime Employers Association to issue a formal notice that it will “defensively” lock out members of the union starting at the same time.

On Monday morning, the BCMEA issued a news release saying that the ILWU Local 514 did commence strike action at the terminals.

“ILWU Local 514’s strike action has already begun to impact to B.C.’s waterfront operations and strike activity can easily escalate, including a complete withdrawal of labour without notice,” said the employers’ association in a statement.

“Accordingly, to facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations, the BCMEA has made the difficult decision to …