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Workers at two West Coast ports, including Vancouver, Canada’s largest facility, are expected to be locked out Monday afternoon.

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), which negotiates on behalf of employers at the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert, has announced plans to lock out members of Local 514 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which primarily represents foremen working in ports, following the union’s strike notice.

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“Accordingly, to facilitate a safe and orderly cessation of operations, BCMEA has made the difficult decision to lock out the foremen and other members of Local 514,” a statement on its website said.

The BCMEA said grain shipments and cruise operations will not be affected by the lockout.

ILWU Local 514 said its members are observing a ban on overtime and refusing to participate in technological changes in limited work action.

“The BC Maritime Employers Association deliberately and irresponsibly overreacted to ILWU Local 514’s implementation of the most limited pressure tactics possible – a ban on overtime only – by closing ports of British Columbia in a clear attempt to force the federal government to intervene rather than reach an agreement. agreement negotiated between the parties,” union president Frank Morena said in a statement Monday, adding that members have been without a contract since March 31, 2023.

Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon said he had spoken to both sides and that federal mediators were on site. He called on both parties to reach an agreement.

“It is the responsibility of the parties to reach an agreement,” he said in a statement posted on his official X account. “Business, workers and farmers are counting on them to reach an agreement. »

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The closure of port traffic on the West Coast has sparked a strong reaction from business groups.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which represents small and medium-sized businesses, is calling on the federal government to act to maintain operations at the port.

“CFIB continues to ask the government to make ports an essential service, so that they remain operational at all times,” said vice-president of national affairs, Jasmin Guénette, in a press release.

The potash industry is also speaking out. Canpotex Ltd., which markets and sells potash on behalf of producers Nutrien Ltd. and Mosaic Co., said a disruption in port service would have real consequences for Canadian potash and benefit competitors, particularly those from Russia, which it said have taken steps to fill the gaps of the past.

“Canpotex does what we can to protect our customers’ shipments, but exporting potash requires the smooth operation of Canada’s ports and railways,” the statement said.

Nutrien, meanwhile, said a halt to port operations would stop the export of potash and called on both sides to reach an agreement.

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“We urge the parties to reach an agreement before Canada’s reputation as a reliable global supplier of potash is tarnished,” he said in a statement.

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