The BCMEA and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) met on Saturday, supported by federal mediators, the statement said. Some 7,500 port workers went on strike on July 1 for higher wages, upending operations at the Port of Vancouver and Port of Prince Rupert - key gateways for exporting the country's natural resources and commodities as well as for bringing in raw materials. ILWU Canada did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CM&E) industry body said the strike is disrupting C$500 million ($377 million) in trade every day. ($1 = 1.3271 Canadian dollars)Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Mark PorterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: Port of Prince Rupert, Saturday Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, BCMEA, Fergal Smith, Mark Porter Organizations: TORONTO, British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, Warehouse Union, Port, Saturday Alberta Premier, ILWU Canada, Canadian Manufacturers, Thomson Locations: Pacific Canada, British, Canada, Port of Vancouver, Port of, Vancouver