B.C. port lockout: Employers release details of final offer [Video]

The BC Maritime Employers Association has released the details of its final offer to the union representing more than 700 foremen ahead of a looming lockout on Monday.

The offer, which is dated Wednesday and addressed to International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 President Frank Morena, was released to reporters on Saturday.

It includes a 19.2 per cent increase over the four year agreement — which would be from April 2023 until March 31, 2027 — as well as a 16 per cent increase to the retirement benefit, a 10 per cent increase to employer contributions to the welfare plan and an average $21,000 lump sum for eligible employees that includes backpay since the contract expired.

The employers association says in the email to Morena that it has been bargaining with the union for nearly two years to renew their collective agreement that expired in March 2023, and the …