B.C. port operations to resume after government orders end to lockout

The B.C. Maritime Employers Association says port operations will resume Thursday afternoon, following orders from the federal government. 

A Wednesday statement from the BCMEA said it would comply with the order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board directing it to resume and continue operations "until the board makes a final determination."

It said the BCMEA was committed to working closely with the union and supply chain partners "to safely and efficiently resume operations at Canada's West Coast ports." 

It comes over a week after the BCMEA locked out more than 700 unionized workers, stating it had made the "difficult decision" after International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 issued a 72-hour strike notice for job action.

"With the resumption of work, coupled with an anticipated high volume of vessels and cargo, there will be extensive province-wide labour requirements across all port areas," the Wednesday statement said. 

The BCMEA also said the board has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 18 between both parties in the contract dispute "on certain questions raised with respect to the ministerial direction."