B.C. port workers approve new contract, formally ending long-running labour dispute

Unionized port workers in B.C. have voted in favour of a new contract negotiated with their employer, putting an end to months of uncertainty at the province's ports.

Unionized port workers in B.C. have voted in favour of a new contract negotiated with their employer, putting an end to months of uncertainty at the province's ports.

In a brief statement Friday evening, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada said 74.66 per cent of its members had voted in favour of the tentative agreement, which was reached last weekend with the help of the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The BC Maritime Employers Association – the employers' representative in negotiations – touted the new agreement's increases in wages, benefits and training for workers in a statement reacting to the vote on its website Friday night.

The association also hailed the "certainty and stability" the new deal will bring.

"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," the statement reads. "All supply chain stakeholders must collaborate now to ensure we do not see disruptions like this ever again."

Friday's vote to approve the new agreement with the BCMEA comes after the ILWU Canada twice rejected a previous deal.

The ILWU Canada's 7,400 B.C. members most recently rejected a negotiated agreement in a vote on July 28.