Operations at the ports in British Columbia are set to recommence on Thursday following intervention from the federal government in a contentious labor dispute. The B.C. Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) announced on Wednesday that operations are planned to restart on November 14th, as directed by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

This decision is the result of an order from federal Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon, who called for the employer and the locked-out port workers to return to the table for binding arbitration. The BCMEA stated that operations and maintenance are likely to commence late on Thursday afternoon, subject to the operating conditions of individual terminals.

The association also highlighted that with the recommencement of work and the expected high volume of vessels and cargo, there will be significant labor requirements across all port areas in the province. However, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, which was locked out, mentioned earlier this week its plans to challenge the back-to-work and arbitration orders.

The BCMEA indicated that the industrial relations board has scheduled a hearing for Monday to discuss certain questions raised concerning the ministerial direction. Workers have been picketing since November 4th, when the BCMEA implemented an industry-wide lockout following the collapse of negotiations with the union.

The union had previously issued its strike notice for the same day, but argues that it had planned limited job action and that the employer “recklessly” overreacted, leading to federal intervention. The employer’s final offer included a 19% wage increase over four years, along with a signing bonus. However, workers insist that the central sticking point involves job security in the rapidly automating industry.

Investors and those interested in the maritime industry will be closely watching how the situation unfolds, given the high economic stakes and potential impacts on trade.