Canada's NDP

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July 29th, 2023

New Democrats call for a fair deal for B.C. Port workers

Canada’s NDP Leader, Jagmeet Singh, made the following statement after the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), representing port workers, voted against their proposed contract agreement with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA):

“Port workers in British Columbia are fighting for fairness; they want to know that they’ll have stability and a good wage so that they can continue supporting their families for years to come. They are a crucial link in the country’s supply chain and add considerable value to our country’s economy. As New Democrats have said from the beginning: a decent wage and job security is the very least these crucial workers should be able to expect.

We’re urging the federal government to get both sides back at the table. The union has been clear; they want the employer to stop bargaining through the employers’ association and come to the table directly. Shipping companies have made massive profits – over $100 billion last year – while their workers’ wages can’t keep up to the rising cost-of-living.

We cannot not lose sight of what is at stake for B.C. port workers, but also for all workers. Going to work to earn a living that feeds your family and puts a roof over your head is not too much to ask when CEOs are enjoying record profits.

New Democrats will always stand with workers trying to negotiate wages that keep up with inflation, safer workplaces, and job security that families depend on.”