West Coast: Canada Vote To Strike, US Agree Deal

While a deal seems to have been reached in the US West Coast labour dispute, the situation North of the border looks headed towards strike action.

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A recent ILWU port workers ballot returned a massive 99% vote for strike action on the West Coast of Canada. Walkouts in the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert are expected to affect terminal operations in the region from as early as 24th June.

The bad news from the Canadian West Coast followed some great news from the US West Coast last week, where a tentative agreement seems to have finally been reached in the bitter dispute between port owners and the ILWU union.

The year long dispute has been hindering operations along the US West Coast, which has led to a lack of market confidence and also a spike in ocean freight rates this month.

The recently announced agreement covers 29 ports along the US West Coast and now has to be ratified by both parties during the next few weeks. In a statement from the ILWU union they commented “We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognises the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating”.

The Croft team are monitoring developments, keeping a close eye on the Canadian situation in particular.

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