About 7,400 workers at terminals mainly in Vancouver and Prince Rupert walked out July 1, all but accusing the B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) of bargaining in bad faith on union jurisdiction over maintenance work and refusing fair pay increases. The employer group said the unionized employees can’t do all the work they’re supposed to and longshore wages have increased faster than inflation. (The Logic)

Talking point: The BCMEA says its terminals moved nearly $500 million worth of goods a day in 2020; COVID-19-related port problems were big contributors to inflation, which has only recently fallen below four per cent. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce called for immediate back-to-work legislation, the Mining Association of Canada warned that the stoppage will hurt Canada’s reputation, and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association’s president said the situation has to be resolved this week. The BCMEA said Monday that more talks are pointless.