Lockout begins at B.C. ports in labour dispute [Video]

The provincewide lockout against a union of more than 700 foremen at all British Columbia ports began on Monday after no deal was reached between the two sides.

A statement from the B.C. Maritime Employer Association said “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.

“Accordingly, to facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations, the BCMEA has made the difficult decision to lockout forepersons and other Local 514 members on Nov. 4, 2024, commencing on the 16:30 shift and continuing until further notice.”

It said the lockout will not apply to grain or cruise operations.

ILWU Local 514, which represents foremen at B.C.’s ports, issued 72-hour strike notice on Friday to carry out what it called “limited job action”, including an overtime ban.

The B.C. Maritime Employer Association responded by issuing an …