A final offer has been tabled between the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514, and the association feels it works in the interest of all parties.
The two parties met this week supported by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to work out the final offer, which the BCMEA says should help cover all remaining issues between the two parties and keep Canada’s supply chain moving.
“The final offer provides a fair agreement without requiring concessions from ILWU Local 514 and covers all matters remaining in dispute,” they say in a media release. “If accepted, this competitive deal will provide all ILWU Local 514 members with significant gains in wages, benefits and a signing bonus paid out by mid-December.”
The BCMEA says they’re hopeful the agreement will provide some type of closure to the long negotiations and keep the ports open while serving all their workers and families.
“The BCMEA truly believes this final offer can help both parties conclude negotiations in a manner that serves the best interest of the 730 hardworking forepersons and for their families while ensuring West Coast ports remain reliable, competitive and affordable for all Canadians,” they say.
Negotiations have been ongoing since May.
