In a landslide vote, over 99% of ILWU Canada union workers critical for West Coast port operations, including in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, voted in favor of supporting a strike.
The biggest port to be affected is the Port of Vancouver, the largest port in Canada.
It is estimated that Canadian West Coast ports handle almost $225 billion worth of cargo a year, with items transported by rail including many consumer products, from apparel to electronics and home goods.
The threat of a strike is occurring as labor tensions have escalated at U.S. West Coast ports.
"This is a significant blow to operations on the West Coast," said Paul Brashier, vice president of drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.
Persons:
Prince Rupert, Port of Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Port Authority's, Brian Friesen, Berkshire Hathaway, Port, slowdowns, Paul Brashier, Adil Ashiq
Organizations:
ILWU, British Maritime Employers Association, Federal Maritime Conciliation, Port, Vancouver, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, U.S, BNSF, U.S ., Pacific Maritime Association, ITS Logistics, Cargo, MarineTraffic, CNBC
Locations:
ILWU Canada, West Coast, Vancouver, of Vancouver, Canada, Canadian, Vancouver Fraser, U.S, Port of Vancouver, Port of, West, CN, Canadian Pacific, Berkshire, U.S . West Coast, Port, Seattle, Midwest, Chicago, Panama, East, North America