THE BCMEA
The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) is an unaccredited employers association currently consisting of sixty-eight (68) member companies. The primary purpose of the Association is to provide sound labour relations advice to waterfront employers in British Columbia.
The Association handles day-to-day labour relations matters between the waterfront employers and the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) such as Collective Agreement administration, discipline, grievances and arbitration hearings. Additionally, the Association is responsible for Collective Agreement negotiations on behalf of its members.

The Association is responsible for the training and re-training of the longshore workforce. In this regard, the Association employs trainers as well as professional writers and illustrators, who are engaged in the development and delivery of training.

The Association is also involved in the promotion of accident prevention, safety education and WCB claims management. The Association represents employer interests with respect to regulatory matters in the areas of labour relations, pensions, legislative reform, Canada Labour Code reform, health and safety, human rights and employment equity. Additionally, the Association actively participates in Transportation Associations such as the Federal Employers Transportation and Communications (FETCO), the Western Marine Community (WMC), and the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council (GVGC).
In an effort to foster and improve the reputation of B.C. Ports, the Association is actively involved in the development and promotion of trade and port facilities regionally, nationally and internationally.


The BCMEA COR Program
The Partners in Injury and Disability Prevention Program is a WorkSafeBC strategic initiative that encourages employers to voluntarily develop health, safety, and injury management systems. The initiative is based on the proven concept that employers who take a strategic approach to risk mitigation and continuous improvement have greater success in reducing the human and financial costs of workplace injuries. WorkSafeBC is entering into partnership with industry associations that have extensive understanding of issues within that industry. The BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has been selected by WorkSafeBC as the certifying partner for British Columbia waterfront industries.

The BCMEA COR Program is an initiative that recognizes and rewards employers who go beyond the legal requirements of the applicable regulations by taking a systematic approach to continuous improvement of health, safety, and injury management. The Program recognizes equally the concepts of managing health and safety and the other components necessary for a successful business, such as profitability and productivity.

The BCMEA COR Program provides an opportunity for you to voluntarily take a proactive role to improve your health and safety performance. Waterfront employers who implement health and safety management systems as well as injury management systems are rewarded through a balanced and transparent WorkSafeBC employer incentive program. The BCMEA is responsible for oversight and quality assurance to ensure continuous improvement of safety on the waterfront.