Conciliators appointed in BC ports negotiations

Federal conciliators have been deployed to help negotiate a settlement between dockworkers and BC ports.

On January 10, 2024, the British Columbia Maritime Employers’ Association (BCMEA) filed a Notice of Dispute, seeking conciliation assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services in an effort to conclude a negotiated collective agreement with ILWU Local 514 Ship and Dock Foremen.

In response, the Minister of Labour appointed three conciliation officers to assist the parties in reaching a negotiated settlement. The Conciliation Officers appointed are Peter Simpson, Susan Fisher, and Karlene Bateman.

Pursuant to the Canada Labour Code, the conciliation officers have a 60-day mandate from the day of appointment (up to March 19, 2024). Any extension beyond 60 days can be made only by mutual consent of the parties.

At the end of the conciliation period, a 21-day cooling off period begins (up to April 9, 2024). Scheduling of conciliation meetings is to be confirmed in the coming days.

“We strongly believe the best deals are achieved at the table and that a negotiated settlement is possible with conciliation,” the BCMEA said in a statement.

“The BCMEA is committed to working with the Conciliation Officers and to negotiating a fair and balanced agreement with Local 514 that provides stability to Canada’s supply chain while recognizing the skills and efforts of the approximately 730 active forepersons working at B.C.’s ports.”