Another strike notice issued for Port of Montreal workers

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) said it received a strike notice from the Port of Montréal Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375, the morning of Oct. 24, which consists of a complete 24-hour work stoppage at the Port of Montréal from 7 a.m. Oct. 27 and includes the Contrecœur terminal.

The MEA said the strike that ensued Sept. 30 paralyzed operations for three days at the Viau and Maisonneuve (Termont) terminals, which represent 41 per cent of Port of Montréal’s activities. Also, the strike that began Oct. 10, which halted overtime in all its forms, is still ongoing.

The MEA said in a statement that the work stoppages have caused significant operational problems, which are in addition to a number of obstacles that are seriously affecting stability and reliability at the Port of Montréal, as well as in the Québec and Canadian supply chain.

Part of that impact is a loss of cargo. The cargo handled by Montréal longshore workers has decreased by 24 per cent since 2022, according to the MEA.

On Oct. 15, Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, made a proposal to the MEA and the Montréal Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375.

The MEA said the proposal called for the appointment of a special mediator so the parties can resume negotiations, free from pressure tactics from either side, for a 90-day period.

“The MEA has given this proposal serious consideration,” it said in a statement. “The MEA thanks Minister MacKinnon for his involvement. It is clear that the minister understands the Port of Montréal’s crucial importance for the Canadian public and its success is dear to his heart. As the Minister stated, unfortunately there was no agreement on the appointment of a special mediator and he withdrew his offer.”

The MEA said there have been 35 mediation meetings over 15 months, and it is clear that the parties are still at an impasse.

The Port of Montréal serves 110 million people in Québec, Ontario and the American Midwest. The manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, pharmaceutical and construction sectors rely heavily on the Port of Montréal, meaning thousands of workers and small and large businesses are impacted by a work stoppage at the port.

The MEA said it is committed to playing an active role in the process and urges the union to demonstrate the same openness.