End in sight for B.C. port strike? New tentative deal reached, union says

Leadership for the union representing striking B.C. dockworkers is set to have an emergency meeting Friday to decide if they will send a proposed deal to members for a vote – which could end the uncertainty at the ports.

Leadership for the union representing striking B.C. dockworkers is set to have an emergency meeting Friday to decide if they will send a proposed deal to members for a vote – which could end the uncertainty at the ports.

In an update Thursday, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada said the latest round of bargaining resulted in a new tentative agreement with the BC Maritime Employers Association.

If the union’s contract caucus agrees to send the deal for ratification, a vote will be scheduled.

The announcement is the latest development in what has been a tumultuous 48 hours in the dispute at the docks.

The chaotic week began on Tuesday afternoon when the union rejected a proposed settlement and a picket line went up.

On Wednesday, workers stood down after an announcement that the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled the resumed action illegal due to a lack of notice. That 72-hour notice was served soon after, with the union saying workers would walk off the job again Saturday morning.

Hours later, ILWU removed its strike notice, and employees were back to work.