Canada Industrial Relations Board Intervenes in ILWU Strike

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has deemed the strike vote by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 as illegal, leading to the directive for ILWU to rescind the strike notice. The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) had initially threatened an industry-wide lockout if the strike proceeded, but has now rescinded that notice. The BCMEA sought urgent intervention from the CIRB, asking to declare the union's proposals and strike action as contrary to the Canada Labour Code. The Federal Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan, confirmed that mediators are aiding in negotiations to reach a resolution, emphasizing the importance of deals made at the bargaining table. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the union and employers regarding issues like automation and retirement benefits, with efforts to resolve the dispute through established labor relations processes.