theglobeandmail.com
Canada Forces Ports Reopening Amid Union Opposition
The Canadian government intervened in labor disputes at multiple ports, imposing binding arbitration, but facing union opposition and economic impact.
English
Canada
Labour MarketSupply ChainLabor DisputeUnionGovernment InterventionArbitration
International Longshore & Warehouse Union CanadaCanadian Union Of Public Employees (Cupe)Bc Maritime Employers AssociationTeamsters Canada Rail ConferenceGreater Vancouver Board Of Trade
Steven MackinnonFrank MorenaFrançois LaporteBridgitte AndersonVince Ready
- What actions led to the lockout at the British Columbia ports?
- The BC Maritime Employers Association locked out ship and dock forepersons after the union began limited strike action, including an overtime ban, impacting over 30 terminals.
- How are the unions responding to the government's intervention?
- Unions, including Local 514 of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Canada and CUPE, plan to challenge the government's intervention, arguing that it undermines their bargaining power and ability to negotiate fair wages and safe working conditions.
- What action did the Canadian government take to resolve the port labor disputes?
- The federal government in Canada intervened to end lockouts at British Columbia ports and the Port of Montreal, invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to impose binding arbitration and restart operations.
- What are the perspectives of business groups regarding the government's actions?
- Business groups welcomed the government's action, emphasizing the need for stable supply chains to support economic growth and job creation. They highlighted significant economic losses due to the port disruptions.
- What precedence does this action have within the recent Canadian labor relations context?
- Minister MacKinnon's action marks the second time he's used binding arbitration to resolve labor disputes; he previously used the same method to end work stoppages at Canada's two largest railways.