Canada: Tugboat workers' strike ongoing in British Columbia as of late Oct. 11 /update 2

Event

A strike by unionized tugboat workers affiliated with the Canadian Merchant Service Guild in ports in British Columbia is ongoing as of Oct. 11, bringing disruptions to ports in British Columbia. The industrial action aims to address concerns over pay and work conditions and is likely to affect operations of large vessels operating mostly in ports in Vancouver and Victoria, particularly at the Westshore terminals. The striking tugboat operators assist large vessels in docking and departing, and congestion from both strikes will likely reduce the efficiency of port operations. An earlier strike by longshore workers with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) has been resolved.

It is unclear when the strikes will end. Disruptions at the ports and nearby protests may continue through the end of October. 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.