The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) said it is concerned about the Port of Vancouver strike. .“A strike could have serious consequences for our economy and our small businesses,” said CFIB Vice President, National Affairs Jasmin Guenette in a statement. .“Port operations must remain fluid so as not to exacerbate supply chain disruptions and put further pressure on costs at a time when we are still facing high inflation.” .Guenette said it is “important to remember that strike-related delays can be costly for small businesses, which could lose sales as a result.” He added that some businesses might lose inventory if perishable goods are not unloaded and brought to market quickly, leading to a considerable revenue loss. .The CFIB is calling on the Canadian government to ensure port operations are maintained and negotiations continue to allow the two parties to find an agreement as soon as possible. While it is good news grain vessels will continue to be serviced and the union intends to assist cruise ships during the strike, he said it is not enough. .Guenette concluded that the government “must quickly put in place legislation to ensure that port activities are fully maintained even in the event of a strike.” .“The Canadian economy and our small businesses don’t have the luxury of waiting before the government uses every means at its disposal to bring this strike to a swift end,” he said. .The Port of Vancouver ranked 347 of 348 world ports for efficiency, according to a June 13 report from the World Bank and S&P Global..READ MORE: Port of Vancouver ranks second last in world efficiency scale as strike looms.Vancouver’s score was up 21 points from the last report among 368 ports in 2022. .Savannah, GA, came in last place in 2023. Halifax was 278, Montreal was 292, and Prince Rupert, BC, came in at 342. .The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) urged the federal government on Friday to use all possible methods to stop British Columbia port workers from shutting down Canada’s economy when they walk off the job on Saturday..READ MORE: Canadian Chamber “deeply disturbed” as BC port workers set to strike.Collective agreements between the unions representing 7,400 International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 ship workers expired in March. ILWU Local 514 informed the BC Maritime Employers Association on Wednesday of its intention to strike. .The CCC said such an action would have “immediate impacts across Canada’s already fragile supply chain.” It said a breakdown in port operations would affect manufacturing, retail, agriculture, automotive dealers, and energy industries across the country.
