The Canada Industrial Relations Board has set up guidelines for port workers and their employers, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, as the two sides work to ratify a new contract deal. The union which represents about 7,400 workers must hold a ratification vote on the new deal, no later than Friday, or face a determination of “unfair labour practice”.

The previous collective agreement expired on March 31st. It has been a back and forth of contract negotiations and tentative acceptance of a contract which was rescinded, and a 13-day strike, meaning no product could get in or out of the ports, affecting Canada’s economy.