UPDATED: Port of Montreal faces disruption as longshore workers initiate overtime strike

As the overtime strike began Oct. 10 at the Port of Montreal, in accordance with the notice filed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 375, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) said it is concerned about the impact on the logistics chain and the supply of goods and commodities for businesses and the public.

During the partial strike, all Port of Montreal terminals will remain open, but Port of Montreal longshoremen will not be working overtime as part of their duties. The MPA said this could result in processing delays and a backlog of containers waiting to be handled.

The union representing Port of Montreal longshore workers announced Oct. 8 that it would refuse to work overtime starting at 7 a.m. Oct. 10 for an unlimited period of time.

CUPE 375 informed the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) of the move, as negotiation between the two parties continue.

“We are still bargaining with the help of two mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service assigned to the case,” said CUPE union representative Michel Murray. “We’re willing to get down to intensive negotiations, but since the employer is dragging their feet, we’re turning up the pressure so that they put forth the energy needed to find a solution.”

At present, around 10 ships expected at the port could be affected by these pressure tactics, notably at the following terminals and handling companies:

• Cast
• Maisonneuve
• Racine
• Viau
• Logistec terminals in Montreal and Contrecœur (dry bulk)
• CanEst
• Lantic

The following are not affected by this situation:

• Liquid bulk handling,
• Oceanex service (Bickerdike terminal)
• grain terminal (Viterra)

According to estimates, the current overtime strike may slow down or disrupt the handling of around 50 per cent of goods transiting through the Port of Montreal, both imports and exports. These goods include food, medical and pharmaceutical products, raw materials for industry, consumer goods for retail, as well as a variety of other goods. The APM said it hopes that a mutually satisfactory agreement will be signed as soon as possible, while businesses and citizens rely on a reliable and competitive port and logistics chain.

The MEA said it has advised CUPE 375 that the complete cessation of overtime has a significant impact on deployed crews and the tasks required for operations.

“As a result, the MEA has decided that employees assigned to shifts with incomplete crews will not be paid,” MEA said in a release “This measure is necessary considering that incomplete shifts will cause imminent slowdowns or even halt operations at the port, which will result in consequences for the public.

“The MEA reiterates its willingness to continue negotiations and asks the union to follow the procedure dictated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in order to reach a negotiated agreement as quickly as possible.”

The union said talks have bogged down on how the employer manages scheduling, among other things and that its members want better life-work balance.

“Longshore work is an age-old trade, but the time has come to bring it into the 21st Century and modernize the archaic practices at the port,” said Murray. “Solutions are at hand, but there must be a willingness to hear them and be at the table to negotiate them.”