Board of Trade Statement in Response to ILWU Vote
For Immediate Release
Saturday, July 29, 2023
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the news of a second no vote to federally mediated deal to end the port strike:
“We are shocked and disappointed that the agreed upon mediated deal was rejected by the ILWU for the second time. $10.7 billion in traded goods have already been affected, that will undoubtedly raise the prices of goods for Canadians and businesses relying on goods flowing through our ports. Pulp mills have been shut down, mines curtailed, and thousands of companies, big and small, have been left with higher bills for their goods. The next steps are unclear but if strike action recommences the economic damage will only increase.
An agreed-upon deal has now been rejected twice by the union. It is now time for the federal government and opposition parties to intervene to ensure that our ports stay open, and we can avoid needlessly stoking inflation and affecting other union and non-union jobs.
It is also clear that the federal government needs additional tools to facilitate lasting agreements when labour disruptions affect the entire economy.”
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
Rahul Ajwani and David van Hemmen
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com