Business and government are responding favourably to a possible breakthrough in the 12-day strike that has shut down all ports along the British Columbia coast.

Labour Minister Seamus O91裸聊视频橰egan has given a federal mediator 24 hours to send him recommendations to end the dispute between the BC Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada.

O91裸聊视频橰egan will forward the recommendations to the two sides and says they91裸聊视频檒l have a further 24 hours to decide whether to ratify them.

A statement from Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, says his organization welcomes the federal government91裸聊视频檚 action.

Alberta premier Danielle Smith said in a tweet Tuesday night that she appreciates O91裸聊视频橰egan91裸聊视频檚 efforts to end the strike and hopes for a resolution within 48 hours.

The union and employers association have not commented on the minister91裸聊视频檚 intervention, although the association confirmed the notice from O91裸聊视频橰egan91裸聊视频檚 office arrived late Tuesday afternoon, potentially starting the 24-hour clock.

About 7,400 dock workers have been on strike since July 1, halting cargo in and out of more than 30 ports in B.C., including Vancouver, Canada91裸聊视频檚 busiest port.

Pickets remained at B.C. ports Wednesday and, although Beatty91裸聊视频檚 statement expressed approval of O91裸聊视频橰egan91裸聊视频檚 action, it was also terse.

91裸聊视频淲e have been calling for immediate intervention from the federal government and urge them to ensure they pursue a course of action that brings an end to this strike as swiftly as possible, preventing further impacts on Canadian families, Canadian businesses, and the Canadian economy,91裸聊视频� Beatty said in the release.

The call for recommendations from the federal mediator brought a stern reaction from the United Truckers Association.

91裸聊视频淭he UTA is warning the federal government of potential escalation of disruption should they consider any kind of imposition of settlement,91裸聊视频� the association said in a news release.

Spokesman Gagan Singh said the association91裸聊视频檚 members 91裸聊视频渃ontinue to suffer91裸聊视频� from what he called the failure of the federal government to fulfil the commitments of an imposed settlement in 2014 and he warned O91裸聊视频橰egan 91裸聊视频渘ot to make the same mistake.91裸聊视频�

O91裸聊视频橰egan ordered the federal mediator to submit recommendations, saying the gap between the positions of the BC Maritime Employers Association and the longshore union is 91裸聊视频渘ot sufficient to justify a continued work stoppage.91裸聊视频�

A good deal is 91裸聊视频渨ithin reach91裸聊视频� for both the union and the BC Maritime Employers Association, he said, adding it was in the interests of all sides that an agreement is reached as soon as possible.

91裸聊视频淭he scale of this disruption shows how important the relationship between the BCMEA and the ILWU is to our national interest,91裸聊视频� O91裸聊视频橰egan said in the statement shared on Twitter.

91裸聊视频淲e cannot allow this work stoppage to persist and risk further damage to the relationship between these parties.91裸聊视频�

The union has said key issues include improved wages, jurisdiction over maintenance and protections against contracting out and automation.

READ ALSO: