The Canadian International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has given notice for a strike to commence at 8am on July 1, 2023.

Negotiations between ownership, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and the ILWU are being moderated by Canada’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), but it remains unclear if any early progress has been made.

Fortunately for shippers, the ports in British Columbia (BC), including frequently congested rail operations, have been operating without vessel or train backlogs for several weeks. However, any work stoppage on the docks will alter that reality immediately.

Shapiro will be reaching out to you if we see that you have cargo potentially affected by this work stoppage. Needless to say, the steamship lines are scrambling to load trains and get truck chassis loaded to move as much cargo as possible in the next two days.

We will be monitoring the situation in BC closely and will update you when more news breaks.