Strike action at Canada’s key international gateways raises concerns for supply chain

Continued strike action by around 7,500 Canadian dock workers representing the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) has raised concerns regarding significant impact to Canada’s foreign trade.

Strike action began on Saturday July 1, 2023, as the union seeks a fair deal with its main objectives including to stop contracting out, protect workers from the impact of port automation and protect longshore workers from high inflation and the cost of living.

In a statement ILWU Canada’s president Rob Ashton said: “The ULWU Canada Longshore Division has not taken this decision lightly, but for the future of our workforce we had to take this step.”