By Jaryn Vecchio

Concerns arising in agriculture sector as B.C. port workers’ strike continues

Jul 4, 2023 | 4:29 PM

There continues to be a lot of concern in the agriculture sector about the ongoing strike involving British Columbia port workers.

Around 7,000 people hit the picket line on Saturday after labour talks stalled due to concerns over contracting out, port automation, and the cost of living.

Jim Smolik, who oversees stakeholder relations for the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, told farmnewsNOW there could be economic repercussions as those waiting for Canadian exports will likely have to wait longer to get the items they bought.

“They (may also) view Canada as a country that may not be able to deliver on time and that could lead them to look to other exporting countries to fill their needs,” he said. “It’s difficult to gain the customer’s confidence back again.”

According to Smolik, all Canadian ports work on a ‘just in time delivery’ timeline. This means that any vessel carrying shipments has to be loaded by a certain time or fines will be issued. This is to limit countries importing Canadian goods from having to experience any delays.

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A saving grace for the Wheat Growers Association of Western Canada is that B.C.’s ports aren’t closed because of the strike. There are still workers loading ships, however, they’re taking longer to load everything due to less help.

“We’re confident that’s going to protect us to some degree,” Smolik said.

The B.C. ports don’t export all goods from western Canada, however, they do oversee the vast majority. Some are transported to the U.S. and out east.

The Coalition of Rail Shippers, which the Wheat Growers Association of Western Canada is part of, have sent a letter to the federal government outlining its concerns with the strike.

It was specifically sent to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Seamus O’Regan, the Minister of Labour.

“If this strike continues, I’m sure further letters will be sent to the federal government,” Smolik added.

Meanwhile, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, which is negotiating on behalf of the port workers, claims labour talks have hit a standstill.

In a statement sent on Monday, they didn’t think more bargaining was going to produce a deal. They also noted the BC Maritime Employers Association changed its position on a key issue at the last minute to ‘muddy the waters.’

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow