Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is calling on the federal government to step in and end the current labor stalemate affecting British Columbia ports.

Sharing a letter from Saskatchewan’s ministers of highways, energy and resources, agriculture, as well as trade and export development, addressed to several federal ministries, Moe highlighted the need for a quick resolution of the labor dispute.

“Canada and Saskatchewan’s success in foreign markets depends on our exporters delivering quality products on time,” the letter said. “A labor dispute could cause delays, allowing global competitors to gain an advantage.”

On Nov. 4, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association laid off about 700 ILWU Local 514 foremen.

The association’s move came in response to a strike notice from the union.

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

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

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

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

The letter went on to call for decisive action to be taken, given the cost to Saskatchewan producers and businesses.

“This work stoppage comes on the heels of the rail closure 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 the resolution of port labor disputes and implement measures to avoid work stoppages while a new collective agreement is negotiated between ILWU 514 and BCEMA.”

-With files from CTV Vancouver’s Ben Miljure