In a significant development, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada has withdrawn the 72-hour strike notice that was previously renewed, following a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and top officials. The strike notice had been set for July 22 at 9 a.m., but with its withdrawal, the union cannot resume strike action without filing another notice, according to a decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
The port strike had caused major disruptions to Canada's west coast ports for nearly two weeks earlier this month, adversely affecting trade and stalling cargo worth billions of dollars. Approximately 7,400 workers at over 30 British Columbia port terminals and other sites participated in the strike, which commenced on July 1. The workers returned to work briefly on July 13 after a tentative deal was drafted by a federal mediator. However, the union caucus rejected the four-year contract, leading to a temporary return to picket lines.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board intervened and deemed the union's actions unlawful, ordering its members to cease and desist from further strike action until proper 72-hour notice had been given. The union had argued that it didn't need to provide notice due to the ongoing strike, but the Board disagreed.
In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Trudeau convened the incident response group, a special assembly of Cabinet ministers and senior officials that only convenes during times of national crisis or events with major implications for Canada. Notable instances where this group was previously convened include the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and blockades associated with the Freedom Convoy movement last year.
Federal Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan and Transport Minister Omar Alghabra issued a joint statement expressing concern over the disruptions caused by the strike. They emphasized that workers and employers across Canada should not face further disruption and stated that they were considering all available options.
British Columbia Premier David Eby acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but cautioned against relying solely on Ottawa to enact back-to-work legislation, emphasizing that it would not offer a quick solution.
Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Prime Minister Trudeau to end the strike immediately, citing the enormous costs incurred by workers, consumers, and businesses due to the prolonged industrial action.
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