Union and Maritime Employers’ Association convened to mediation meeting

The Maritime Employers’ Association (MEA) and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 375 have been convened by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to a mediation meeting, according to a statement from the MEA.

Meanwhile, CUPE 375, which represents Port of Montreal longshore workers, says the MEA has not made itself available to negotiate.

Workers at Viau and Maisonneuve terminals at the Port of Montreal began a 72-hour strike the morning of Sept. 30, with the union representing the workers saying in a statement that efforts to avoid the strike were “in vain.”

“Whether through mediation, supported by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, or before the Canada Industrial Relations Board in an emergency hearing this afternoon, our efforts have not borne fruit,” the union said in a statement.

The FMCS convened a meeting between the parties Oct 3 but it had to be cancelled, according to the union, because the MEA refused to take part.

“It denounced the effect that a partial strike would have on the economy and the supply chain, but it is not even bothering to come to the bargaining table to find solutions,” said CUPE representative Michel Murray.

In its own statement, MEA said the parties had been convened by FMCS to a mediation meeting Oct. 4 at 11 a.m.

“We want a lasting agreement that takes reality into account so we can work together to bring stability and cargo back to Montréal,” read the statement. “No further information will be provided so as not to interfere in the mediation process.”

The Port of Montreal longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since Dec. 31, 2023.