Canada: Tugboat and longshore workers' strike ongoing in British Columbia as of Sept. 20 /update 1

Event

Several hundred workers at the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) are on strike as of Sept. 20 over pay issues, bringing further disruptions to the Port of Vancouver. This is in addition to the continued strike by unionized tugboat workers, affiliated with the Canadian Merchant Service Guild in ports in British Columbia. The strikes are likely to affect operations of large vessels operating mostly in ports in Vancouver and Victoria, particularly at the Westshore terminals and Delta coal port. The striking tugboat operators assist large vessels in docking and departing, and congestion from both strikes will likely reduce the efficiency of port operations.

It is unknown for how long the strikes will continue. Disruptions at the ports and nearby protests may continue through the end of September. Business disruptions are possible for companies that depend on the export or import of goods through the affected ports.

Advice

Confirm operations at ports in British Columbia. Allow additional time when routing freight through impacted ports during the strike action; consider alternative shipping methods for critical cargoes. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine precaution and to mitigate possible disruption.