B.C. port lockout set to begin [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 at 8 a.m. 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.

The two sides have been bargaining for nearly two years to renew their collective agreement that expired in March 2023.

The employers’ association says its final offer includes a 19.2 per cent wage increase.

It claims that would increase the median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617 per year, not including benefits and pension.

The BCMEA says on average, eligible workers would receive a cumulative lump sum payment of approximately $21,000, inclusive …