Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action and require British Columbia’s port workers to return to work. In a statement sent via email on Tuesday, Smith emphasized the negative impact of the ongoing strike on the economy and the nation’s reputation as a reliable trading partner. Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern over the strike’s effects on businesses in Alberta, citing the example of a convenience store owner in Calgary who is stocking up on inventory due to the fear of product shortages. Feth believes that the federal government needs to intervene within 72 hours and engage arbitrators and mediators to find a resolution. The workers returned to the picket line after rejecting an offer presented last week.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association had initially announced a tentative agreement, but the employers claim that the union leadership backed out before it was brought to a vote. The rejected agreement included significant wage and benefits increases over the past three years. The employers association argues that the proposed increases were above the norm for union settlements in the province and the country. However, the ILWU voted against the terms of the settlement, citing concerns about job security and the failure to address cost of living issues. The strike, which has affected about 7,400 workers and disrupted trade at approximately 30 ports, including the Port of Vancouver, began on July 1 and lasted for 13 days before the offer was rejected. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade estimates that over $9.3 billion in trade has been disrupted since the strike started.
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