Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has proposed the appointment of a special mediator to seek to break the deadlock in negotiations between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the union representing 1,200 Montreal longshoremen.
During a meeting late Tuesday, the Minister made the proposal so the parties can resume negotiations, without any pressure tactic from either party for a period of 90 days. The MEA and the Union must submit their respective responses to the Minister of Labour no later than Friday at 5:00 p.m.
The Maritime Employers Association said it is “committed to examining the proposal.”
On its Facebook page, union President Martin Lapierre commented: “The union has not replied to the Minister at this point. We will inform you (union members) soon with other information. At this point, all the rest is just speculation.”
A three-day strike called by Local 375 of CUPE on September 30 paralyzed activities at two Port of Montréal container terminals operated by Termont. An unlimited overtime strike was subsequently called by the union on October 10.
The current collective agreement expired on December 30, 2023. Key outstanding issues are scheduling of working hours and work-life balance.
(Port of Montreal photo)
