June ’23 at-a-glance … supply chain

West Coast ports agreement reached; Canadian ports workers approve strike

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year deal. Details were not immediately available, and the agreement must now be ratified by both parties. The agreement comes after Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su held multiple meetings with both parties. NAFEM had urged the administration to get involved and work toward a resolution to the 13-month dispute.

In the meantime, more than 99% of Canadian ILWU members voted in favor of a strike. The earliest date this can occur is June 24. The Port of Vancouver is the largest port in Canada. Approximately 15% of its container trade is destined to or from the U.S.