Posted on October 28, 2024
The Canadian Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375, has announced a 24-hour strike at the Port of Montreal, the latest labor action in an on-going labor dispute with employers represented by the Maritime Employers Association.
The Port of Montreal’s longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023.
The work stoppage is scheduled from Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. to Monday, October 28, 2024, at 6:59 a.m., affecting all container and dry bulk terminals, including the Contrecoeur terminal.
The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) is highlighting the potential for severe economic consequences. “This uncertainty has major repercussions, particularly the significant loss of cargo. The cargo handled by Montréal longshore workers has decreased by 24% since 2022, mainly to the benefit of ports on the US east coast,” stated the MEA.
The strike will result in the closure of several key terminals, including Cast, Maisonneuve, Racine, Viau, Logistec terminals in Montreal and Contrecœur, and Lantic. During this period, no rail, ship, or truck services will be provided at these locations. However, liquid bulk handling, Oceanex service at the Bickerdike terminal, and the Viterra grain terminal will remain operational.
This latest action follows a series of labor actions at the port. A three-day strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals in late September paralyzed 41% of the port’s activities. Additionally, an ongoing overtime ban initiated on October 10 has been causing operational disruptions.
The root of the conflict stems from the expiration of the longshore workers’ collective agreement on December 31, 2023. Key issues in the negotiations include scheduling management and work-life balance.
Attempts at resolution, including a proposal by the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, for a 90-day negotiation period with a special mediator, have so far been unsuccessful. The MEA reports that after 35 mediation meetings over 15 months, the parties remain at an impasse.
The economic implications of this dispute are far-reaching. The Port of Montreal, the largest in Québec and second-largest in Canada, serves 110 million people across Québec, Ontario, and the American Midwest. Various sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and construction, depend on the port’s operations.
Te Montreal Port Authority is concerned about the impact of pressure tactics on the logistics chain and on the supply of goods and commodities for businesses and the public. “Rest assured that our teams are actively working to minimize the impact of disruptions and ensure the smooth running of port activities,” the port said.
However, the MEA warns that without a swift resolution and lasting industrial peace, clients may seek more stable alternatives, potentially leading to long-term damage to the port’s reputation and operations.
