Union Members Authorize Possible BC Port Strike but No Notice Issued

The union representing foremen at British Columbia’s ports say members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize strike action if necessary in an ongoing labour dispute with port employers. International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 says in a statement that members voted 96 percent “industry-wide” in favour of authorizing a strike. However, no 72-hour strike or lockout notice has been issued. The union said previously that it had “no interest in an industry-wide dispute” since it wanted to negotiate with one employer—DP World Canada—directly on the issue of automation. But the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the union can’t bargain with DP World alone, which the union says forced members to take an industry-wide vote....