CIRB declares Port of Vancouver strike vote by ILWU Local 514 to be illegal

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has deemed a vote by the International Longshore and Workers Union (ILWU) Local 514 that called for strike action to be taken against DP World Canada at the Port of Vancouver to be illegal. 

The strike was due to commence on July 8, 2024, but the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) requested urgent interim intervention by the CIRB to prevent the action from going ahead. 

The board met with both parties on July 7 to hear complaints and found that the declaration of strike action contravened the Canada Labour Code and the union failed to bargain in good faith as only one of the BCMEA’s member companies were asked to vote on the strike.