The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has initiated a lockout of ILWU Local 514 workers following a strike announcement by the union. This action affects over 700 foremen and is expected to disrupt operations across all major ports on Canada’s west coast, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The lockout is a defensive measure in response to the union’s 72-hour strike notice, which was set to begin today

The lockout could significantly impact trade, with an estimated $800 million in daily trade flows potentially affected. While grain and cruise operations are exempt, the broader implications for cargo operations are substantial. For further information continue reading about the lock out here.

A.N. Deringer, Inc. is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. If you have specific questions about your shipments, please reach out to your Deringer representative.