AUTOMATION is expected to be a controversial issue this year with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada talks, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.

The ILWU Canada and its 12 locals and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) exchanged proposals two weeks ago and formally began negotiations.

Besides automation, one source stated the talks will focus on "standard bargaining issues" such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.

It is unlikely an agreement will be reached before the current contract expires on March 31 as negotiations in past cycles often lasted 12 to 18 months before a new deal was struck.

Unlike past contract negotiations, the union appears to be prepared to negotiate "aggressively" on wages early on.

The Canadian talks begin as longshore negotiations between the ILWU and Pacific Maritime Association on the US west coast end their 10th month without a deal.

Vancouver is Canada's largest container port while Prince Rupert ranks third. Both have direct intermodal rail service to Chicago and beyond and are key gateways for trade between Asia and the US.

The next point of contention between employers and ILWU Canada could involve the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RB2) in Vancouver, where progress is being made in the permitting process for a new US$2 billion container terminal that would be built on a greenfield site.

ILWU Canada raised concerns about the impact of Roberts Bank 2 (RB2) on jobs and the environment in a February 9 letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In its February 10 response, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority stated the latest environmental innovations will be incorporated into the new terminal's design.

As for automation, the port authority stated the company chosen to operate RB2 will determine the "final configuration and operating concept for the terminal."