BC Food & Beverage Calls for a Swift End to BC Port Labour Action Threatening Canada’s Food Supply Chain

November 5, 2024 (Vancouver)

BC Food & Beverage, on behalf of our 350+ members, representing over $9 billion in annual revenues and approximately 25,000 jobs, is deeply concerned about the negative impact of the labour dispute between the BC Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 will have on our food supply.

‘Food and beverage manufacturers have endured so many disruptions to its supply chain in recent years, which beyond the economic impact also poses a threat to our province’s Food Security, which is not sustainable for the long-term future of our industry’. Said James Donaldson, CEO of BC Food & Beverage. ‘The recent rail stoppage, previous labour actions at BC ports, and the ongoing disruptions at the Port of Montreal are eroding our industry’s ability to compete and feed Canadians.’

The Port of Vancouver plays a critical role in our industry’s supply chain. In 2020, our industry was declared an Essential Service, yet food and beverage processors have been hampered by these continuous disruptions. Any prolonged closure of the Port of Vancouver will not just have a negative economic impact, but will drive up food waste at a time when so many Canadians are food insecure.

We are calling on the federal government to intervene to get both sides of this dispute back to the negotiation table.

CONTACT
James Donaldson, CEO
BC Food & Beverage
james@bcfb.ca

Or

Alisa Hutton, COO
BC Food & Beverage
alisa@bcfb.ca