After a tentative agreement between unions and employers to end a 13-day strike was struck late yesterday afternoon, quay cranes began to whirr back into operation at ports throughout British Columbia.
All parties must ratify the four-year agreement, which was negotiated with the assistance of government mediators.
"I am optimistic that this accord will help bring long-term stability to our ports, consolidate Vancouver as a world-class trade center, grow our economy, and give fairness to employees," British Columbia Premier David Eby said in praising the warming of relations.
Although the "crisis" appears to be ended, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters CEO Dennis Darby expressed relief in a statement, noting that manufacturers would need to spend the "next few months sorting through the damage and getting caught up."
The days and months of effort that go before and after an interruption also contribute to the overall cost to our sector, he said. "For this reason, we require changes that prevent a total closure of Canada's transportation and supply networks every six months."
Earlier this week, Vespucci Maritime founder Lars Jensen warned shippers on LinkedIn that there would be a lot more supply chain challenges if ports like Prince Rupert and Vancouver reopened.
"Remember that the railroads will face a struggle to handle the rapid flood of the cargo currently delayed aboard the vessels when the strike ends at some time," said Jensen.
A agreement was reached between businesses and dockworkers in the US south of the border last month, preventing a similar industrial strike.
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