Terms of new contract that resolved B.C. port dispute released

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has released the new terms of the agreement that resolved British Columbia's port dispute, including a commitment by employers to train workers to perform maintenance on new equipment.

Contracting out of maintenance work to third parties had been one of the most contentious issues during the months-long dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

The four-year agreement also contains several terms about workers' compensation.

They include increases in the "Modernization and Mechanization retirement lump sum,'' which are as follows for eligible retirees over and above normal pension entitlements:

• $86,250 in 2023
• $91,250 in 2024
• $93,750 in 2025
• $96,250 in 2026

The union representing about 7,400 workers said last Friday its members voted almost 75 per cent in favour of ratifying the new deal, ending a dispute that included a 13-day strike and halted movement of cargo worth billions.

The deal features general wage increases of five per cent annually for the next two years, and four per cent for the next two years.

Those raises will boost hourly wages to the following base rates:

• $50.64 in 2023
• $53.17 in 2024
• $55.30 in 2025
• $57.51 in 2026

The new terms commit employers to "provide appropriate training to Journeyman Tradesperson ... on how to perform regular maintenance work [within] the scope of their trade on new equipment and existing equipment.''

The ILWU did not immediately comment on the deal, other than to announce its members voted 74.6 per cent in favour of the settlement.

In a statement, the BCMEA said the agreement recognizes workers' skills while stabilizing the industry.

"As we move forward to implement the terms of the agreement, we are committed to working collaboratively with our labour partners, the federal government and key stakeholders to rebuild the reputation of Canada's largest gateway," it read.

"The BCMEA recognizes and regrets the profound repercussions this labour disruption has had on the national economy, workers, businesses and, ultimately, all Canadians that depend on an efficient and reliable supply chain. All supply chain stakeholders must collaborate now to ensure we do not see disruptions like this ever again."