Canada’s labour minister seeks arbitration as dock workers reject contract

Container and bulk carrier ships anchor in English Bay before berthing at the Port of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 30, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren

Toronto: Canada’s labour minister has directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine whether a negotiated settlement or arbitration is still possible, after the dock workers union in western Canada rejected a contract.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan said the government was using its authority under section 107 of the Canada labour code to “preserve” industrial peace.