Ottawa is stepping in to end the BC Port Strike

Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan gave a federal mediator last night 24 hours to send him recommendations on ending the strike. 

Over 7000 dock workers walked off the job on July 1st after failing to reach an agreement on wages and contracting out with the BCMEA.

The impact of the ongoing strike has meant the loss of export capacity on the west coast.

The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association had called for government action to prevent permanent damage to our economy and to Canada’s reputation as a serious trading partner.

They note that 16  per cent of the country’s total goods, worth approximately $500 million, is being disrupted every day that the strike is on.

The impact of the ongoing strike resulted in Nutrien's decision yesterday to curtail production at its Cory (Saskatchewan) potash mine due to the loss of export capacity at the Port of Vancouver's Canpotex Neptune terminal.

Ken Seitz, Nutrien’s President and CEO says if the strike continues it could also impact production at their other potash mines in 
the province. 

Last week, Fertilizer Canada called on Ottawa to take immediate action raising its concerns about the impact of the strike as Canada exports 95 per cent of the potash we produce through the Port of Vancouver.

Overall, potash exports contribute $5.52 billion to Canada’s annual gross domestic product.

In a statement issued last night O'Regan said that after eleven days of a work stoppage, he has decided that the difference between the employer's and the union's position is not sufficient to justify a continued work stoppage.

He says once he gets the terms of settlement from the mediator, he'll forward them to both sides and they'll have another 24 hours to decide whether or not to recommend ratification.