Union workers strike at Port of Montreal, MEA to suspend salary guarantee

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) said it plans to proceed with the suspension of the salary guarantee as of Nov. 5 at 7 a.m. for all longshore workers not working, with the exception of bulk sector and essential services as a mitigation measure to reduce the cumulative financial impact of repeated strikes and lower volumes at the Port of Montréal.

The MEA’s statement comes as an indefinite strike began at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals at 11 a.m. Oct. 31, in accordance with the strike notice filed by CUPE Local 375, the longshore workers’ union. As a result, the two Termont-operated terminals are closed, and no rail, truck or ship services will be provided. With 40 per cent of total container handling capacity paralyzed by this work stoppage, and ships and trains already obliged to choose other routes, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) expresses its deep concern about the negative repercussions of this work stoppage. 

Prior to the strike, the MEA said it proposed entering into a period of accelerated negotiations with the union, without preconditions, with the support of a special mediator appointed by the federal Minister of Labour, in order to reach a new collective agreement. Unfortunately, the Union rejected this proposal.

The Oct. 31 strike is in addition to union workers’ refusal to work overtime since Oct. 10.

As a result, after thoroughly analyzing the financial situation, the MEA said it informed the union that it will suspend the salary guarantee mainly for longshore workers assigned to container transshipment who are not at work, as of Nov 5.

Currently, Port of Montréal longshore workers who are on call but who are not working due to insufficient volume receive their full salary each week. This specific provision, unique to Montréal longshore workers, is expected to cost approximately $15 million in 2024, according to the MEA.