How Do I Find A Job?

Longshore jobs are only posted for individuals who are already active longshore workers (either “casual” or “union members”).

Online Job Postings

All longshore workers are hired only through Locals of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU). You may find some job postings that use skills related to longshore work, for example, in heavy equipment operation, inventory management, and other industrial and shipping-oriented occupations.

Look for jobs such as ‘dock work’, ‘forklift driver’, ‘crane operator’ or ‘shipping’ in these sources:

Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below will help you with finding jobs in this “hidden” job market.

Using Directories to Create a List of Potential Employers

You can use company directories to produce lists of employers who are in this industry. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.

All longshore workers are hired only through Locals of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU); you may find some jobs for ‘dock work’ or other related work (e.g. container loading) in these sources:

Instructions for using Reference Canada (see link to external resource below):

• Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
• Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
• In the top search box enter “marine cargo handling” and click SEARCH.
• Select the appropriate headings.
• Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.

NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).

Networking and the Hidden Job Market:

When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. Working as a volunteer is a good ways to gain “Canadian experience.”

Although all longshore workers are hired only through Locals of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU), volunteering may help you in the ILWU’s recruitment process. 

Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.  Look for volunteer work that uses skills related to longshore work, for example, heavy equipment operation, inventory management, and other industrial and shipping-oriented occupations