West coast ports' union members ratify eight-year contract

May 5, 2011

A new collective agreement between the International Longshore Warehouse Union Canada and the BC Maritime Employers Association has received wide support by ILWU Canada members.

"Collective bargaining is alive and working well at Pacific Gateway ports," said ILWU Canada President Tom Dufresne.

Details of the agreement are being released today following the May 3rd ratification by the ILWU's membership.

The term of eight years provides unprecedented stability and reliability to everyone associated with the Pacific Gateway - ILWU members and employers alike.

"The interests of ILWU Canada members and the employer are aligned when it comes to having an agreement that delivers reliability and predictability in the workplace. This is a win-win agreement," Dufresne said.

The agreement includes a new program for maternity and paternity leave and an average wage increase of 3.5% every year of the agreement and a cost of living factor starting in year 6.

"The agreement will deliver the kind of financial stability our members need. The employer has also agreed to pension enhancements, a benefit of great importance to ILWU members," Dufresne said.

Ship and dock foremen in ILWU Local 514 are covered by a separate agreement which is still under negotiation.