CANADIAN port workers in British Columbia have rejected a deal brokered by a mediator in a move that will continue to disrupt goods moving in and out of harbours.

International Longshore Workers Union Canada president Rob Ashton said that its caucus does not believe the agreement can protect jobs “now or into the future.”

He called the four-year deal “far too long” given the uncertainties facing the industry and economy.

The union said it was protecting the interests of workers.

“Our position since day one has been to protect our jurisdiction and this position has not changed,” it said in a statement.

The deal was formed by BC Maritime Employers Association, which warned that the rejection would “further harm Canada’s economy, their livelihoods and all those that rely on a stable supply chain.

It said the deal included “considerable hikes in wages and benefits.”

Some 7,400 workers took a 13-day strike this month, ending last Thursday, at more than 30 port terminals and other sites across the province, including Canada’s busiest in Vancouver.

The strike froze billions of dollars worth of cargo.