Canadian Port Strike Averted After Labor Ruling

A planned strike by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 at western Canadian ports was called off after the Canada Industrial Relations Board found the strike notice violated the Labor Act. The strike aimed to protest labor contracts at DP World and issues like overtime changes and automation-related job losses. The BC Maritime Employers Association warned of a potential coast-wide lockout affecting cargo operations. Meanwhile, global shipping faces disruptions, rising freight rates, and port bottlenecks, with concerns of prices reaching USD 20,000 by 2025. The threat of strikes in North America, including Canadian rail workers and US dockworkers, continues to impact supply chains, prompting negotiations and discussions to avoid disruptions.