BCMEA Sets the Record Straight on ILWU Local Leadership Claims

Throughout nearly two years of negotiations with ILWU Local 514, the BCMEA has prioritized getting to a reasonable, balanced deal that recognizes the hard work of the 730 forepersons working at Canada’s West Coast ports. 

This effort is despite the ongoing issues with the conduct of ILWU Local 514 leadership, including President Frank Morena. Over the past six months, ILWU Local 514 leadership has been found to have bargained in bad faith by the Canada Industrial Relations Board three times, including an attempt at an illegal strike in July 2024.   

THE FACTS
The only reason there is a labour disruption shutting down Canada’s West Coast ports is because Mr. Morena initiated industry-wide strike action effective 0800 PT November 4. The BCMEA is asking ILWU Local 514 leadership to sign a similar agreement that their Longshore counterparts agreed to after a prolonged dispute in July 2023. Many of the issues the union leadership claims are in contention were effectively solved with the Longshore agreement. Instead of meaningfully considering the industry’s final offer, ILWU Local 514’s leadership issued industry-wide strike notice with strike activity commencing this morning.

Furthermore, contrary to Mr. Morena’s claims: 

• The BCMEA Bargaining Committee has never missed a scheduled bargaining session with federal mediators and the union;
• The BCMEA is not requiring any concessions of the union in our final offer, nor is the final offer removing any items from the existing collective agreement;   
• The BCMEA has been transparent that aspects of the offer could change if negotiations drag on and the economic and inflationary landscape shifts, including as a result of a union strike. As such, if the BCMEA’s final offer is rejected, any subsequent offer will no longer include the proposed signing bonus and the wage offer will change to 2% in Years 3 and 4, respectively. For clarity, the recently terminated collective agreement does not guarantee a signing bonus nor any set wage increase – like other bargaining processes, these terms have to be negotiated.  
• We are not asking ILWU Local 514 leadership to waive the technological change notice provisions under the Canada Labour Code. These notice provisions have been waived by agreement of both parties for decades and are what allow ILWU Local 514 members to receive payment upon retirement.  If the final offer is accepted, the ILWU Local 514 retirement payment is to increase to $108,750 above and beyond their pension and benefits.  

The final offer also includes:  

• Increase to median foreperson compensation from $246,323 to $293,617.
• Average $21,000 lump sum signing bonus, including retroactive pay.  

This final offer not only matches what was ratified by the ILWU Longshore last year, but includes specific additional elements catered to the needs of ILWU Local 514 members. The BCMEA is not requiring any concessions of the union. The offer remains open until withdrawn.

ILWU Local 514’s industry-wide strike activity is untenable for West Coast port operators and their supply chain partners who are involved in complex multi-billion-dollar equipment that relies on stability, reliability, and forecasting to function. Accordingly, to facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations, the BCMEA made the difficult choice to issue formal notice of its intention to lock out ILWU Local 514, effective November 4 at 16:30 PT. 

BCMEA and its members are committed to continuing to invest in infrastructure and technology to grow Canada’s West Coast ports to be more competitive and reliable for our global trading partners.  

• Since 2010, new foreperson jobs have increased by 73% – 307 net new foreperson jobs. 
• Since 2020, there have been 214 new forepersons recruited, with more recruitments underway and forecasted for the future.

The BCMEA and its members sincerely believe that this final offer best serves the 730 forepersons and their families while ensuring West Coast ports are resilient and affordable for all Canadians. We will provide updates as the situation develops. 

Last updated: November 4, 2024, 1:00 PM PT