Ports in British Columbia are still closed in an event now stretching toward its eighth day after a meeting between the BC Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 union broke down shortly after it began on Saturday. Neither side is moving from previously stated positions. “No progress made and no further meetings are scheduled” read the statement issued by the BCMEA.
Canadian logistics disruptions have now been compounded by a work stoppage affecting the Port of Montreal in the east of the country after workers were locked out there due to a dispute over contracts.
“Talks in both British Columbia and Montreal were progressing at an insufficient pace, indicating a concerning absence of urgency from the parties involved.” stated Steven MacKinnon, Canadian Labor Minister, although no plans were communicated about the Canadian government intervening any further than its advisory role now.
