The Port of Vancouver is the most significant hub for pork being exported out of Canada to foreign markets in Asia. Late last week, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) reached a tentative deal with the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) to end a strike by its workers at the Port of Vancouver, which had been ongoing for two weeks. Unfortunately, as of yesterday, the deal was rejected, and the strike continues.
Alberta Pork and the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) have both strongly urged action from the Government of Canada to intervene in the strike, and we will continue to push for a resumption of activities at the port; however, further negotiation, rather than back-to-work legislation, still appears to be the only course of action being taken by the government at this time.
Alberta Pork will keep producers updated on any issues that may occur as a result of the strike, especially the movement of pork and any potential impacts to pigs scheduled for delivery to Alberta’s federal processing plants.