Port of Montreal hit by another strike

MONTREAL, August 8, 2020 – Local 1657 of the International Association of Longshoremen (Checkers) gave notice of strike action to their employer, the Maritime Employers Association (AEM), on Friday, August 7, 2020, starting Monday, August 10, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. for an indefinite period. This was served in accordance with the provisions of the Canada Labor Code (section 87.2).

The concerns of the auditors remain the working hours (27 days a week), and the advancement of technology with the aim of eliminating their functions and tasks.

According to the union, the MEA has not negotiated with ILA Local 1657 (checkers) since June 5, 2020. At the time, the union bargaining committee presented a counter-proposal to the MEA to which the union has not yet received a response from AEM representatives. The union has twice asked, through the federally appointed mediator, to return to the bargaining table, but to no avail.

Each container has a specific place on a ship depending on the loading plan. More than 150 male and female checkers give instructions to the longshoreman and coordinate the movement of all containers entering or leaving the various port terminals by means of trucks, trains and ships. Auditors are an integral part of the operation of the Port of Montreal.

SOURCE International Association of Longshoremen