Dear Valued Customer, 

Members of ILWU Canada rejected the deal its leadership negotiated and staged a second walk-out.

However, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled that the walk-out was illegal because the union failed to provide the required 72-hour notice. As a result, dockworkers are all working – for now. 

Here is what we know so far:

·     The union is planning to resume its strike on Saturday when it is legal to do so.

·     Containers that are in the port on Saturday are expected to remain there for the duration of the strike

·     U.S. West Coast ILWU members have vowed to not process any vessel that is diverted from the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert while there is a strike

·     Containers bound for both the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert will stay at their initial ports of origin until alternate plans are made.

If the union follows through on their promise to resume its strike on Saturday, we believe it will result in increased ocean freight rates, vessel re-routings, and other negative and unpredictable problems for your supply chain. 

We are strongly advising all clients who may be affected by this labor issue to contact your advisors immediately to find alternative solutions. Additionally, all clients should avoid shipping through the Port of Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert at all costs, and instead re-route any essential cargo through more stable ports.

We will continue to monitor the strike and inform you of any updates as they become available. In the meantime, we would like to reiterate that it is crucial for you to contact your advisor as soon as possible to discuss your individual situations and plan a course of action that will protect your business and supply chain from any harmful and negative effects resulting from this strike.

Please reach out to your dedicated client solutions representative if you have any questions or concerns about this situation. 

Sincerely yours, 

OEC Group