UPDATED: Workers begin three-day strike at two Port of Montreal terminals

Workers at Viau and Maisonneuve terminals at the Port of Montreal began a 72-hour strike Monday morning, 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.

“AEM is very disappointed with this outcome and sincerely hoped to be able to find common ground between the parties to maintain our activities.”

The Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal (SCFP) Longshoremen’s Union, Local 375, filed a notice with the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) Sept. 27 for a three-day strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals at the Port of Montreal.

As a result of these developments, the Montreal Port Authority activated its business continuity plan, to ensure that any pressure tactics will not affect the rest of port operations.

“Although negotiations are continuing, we are disappointed that they have not, to date, enabled both parties to reach an agreement, while nearly $6 billion worth of goods are expected to arrive on the Port of Montreal’s docks in the coming weeks,” Julie Gascon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority said in a release. “For the time being, we intend to concentrate our efforts on ensuring that port operations are affected as little as possible, and we hope that the parties will quickly agree on a way out, as the uncertainty surrounding our activities will have a domino effect, both on importers and exporters who rely on the transportation of goods, and on the general public. I therefore invite both parties to continue negotiations in order to avoid a work stoppage.”

The strike is scheduled for Sept. 30, at 7 a.m., to Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6:59 a.m. The action suspended operations at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for 41 per cent of container traffic at the Port of Montreal.

Docking services normally provided by stevedores and cargo handling at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals have been suspended, access to these terminals are prohibited and no rail, ship or truck services are being provided. The other terminals remain in service. Port users may continue to use other port facilities.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) issued a statement on the situation, saying it is very concerned about the impact a new strike at the Port of Montreal will have on small businesses, which is the third strike at the port since 2020.

“There have been too many strikes affecting our supply chains in recent years, causing delivery delays, production slowdowns and impacting small businesses’ bottom line. It’s simply irresponsible for the unions to take strike action yet again,” said Jasmin Guenette, vice-president of national affairs, CFIB. “Unfortunately, the federal government doesn’t seem particularly concerned with this new strike threat and its impact. Small businesses are very worried as they remember all too well the impact of the 2020 and 2021 strikes at the Port of Montreal and the 2023 strike at BC ports.

“Canada cannot afford another strike at any port across the country. The federal government should make ports an essential service, so they remain operational at all times. Small businesses and their employees should not be subjected to the uncertainty of strikes and lockouts in the nation’s supply chain infrastructure.”