MONTREAL – The Port of Montreal revealed this afternoon that the Longshoremen’s union has declared a general strike that will begin Monday, August 10 at 7:00 a.m.
The union served a 72-hour advance notice to the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) of the strike.
This indefinite work stoppage would result in the suspension of berthage services normally provided by longshoremen/longshorewomen and the handling of goods in Port of Montreal terminals as of August 10 at 7:00 a.m.
Not affected by this situation are: liquid bulk handling, the Oceanex service (Bickerdike Terminal) and the grain terminal (Viterra).
The Montreal Port Authority suggests clients contact or consult the websites of operators such as Termont (Viau and Maisonneuve) and MGTP (Cast and Racine) to learn the latest on the situation.
In a statement Tony Boemi, the port authority’s vice-president, growth and development, said: “The Montreal Port Authority deplores this indefinite strike notice, as Port activities are essential to the keep the economy running smoothly and, in this period of global pandemic, to ensure public health and safety. A prolonged stoppage or slowdown in port operations has major repercussions on our partners, clients and, ultimately, the economy of Quebec and Canada. Logistics supply chains must be maintained in the interest of businesses and citizens who benefit from the transit of goods.“
He added that the port is hoping the union and MEA will be able to reach an agreement quickly.
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