Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is calling on the federal government to step in and end the current standoff at British Columbia’s ports.

Sharing a letter from Saskatchewan’s ministers of roads, energy and resources, agriculture, and trade and export development to several federal departments, Moe highlighted the need for a quick resolution of the labor conflict.

“The success of Canada and Saskatchewan in foreign markets depends on the on-time delivery of quality products from our exporters,” the letter reads. “A labor dispute could cause delays, allowing global competitors to gain an advantage. »

On November 4, the BC Maritime Employers Association locked out approximately 700 foremen from ILWU Local 514.

This decision by the association follows a strike notice from the union.

Federal mediators are on hand to help both sides reach an agreement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given no indication whether the federal government will act to end the conflict.

“We are grateful that the federal government did the right thing when many of these same economic industries were threatened with rail disruptions, and we ask them to do the same today,” Moe said in his message to x.

The lockout is just the latest disruption to commerce in the region. In 2023, work stopped for 13 days at 30 terminals in British Columbia

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade estimated the shutdown disrupted trade worth $10.7 billion.

The letter then called for decisive action to be taken – given the cost to Saskatchewan producers and businesses.

“This work stoppage follows the shutdown of rail transport in August, and most producers have limited storage capacity to mitigate the impact of a second disruption,” it reads.

“We urge the federal government to encourage resolution of port labor disputes and implement measures to prevent work stoppages while a new collective agreement between ILWU 514 and BCEMA is being negotiated .”

-With files from CTV Vancouver’s Ben Miljure