The waterfront labour conflict at the Port of Montreal has remained clouded in uncertainty after the Maritime Employers Association and the union representing 1,200 longshoremen rejected a proposal by federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon for a new, special mediator to work with both sides to advance deadlocked negotiations. He had proposed last week a 90-day freeze on strikes and lockouts while negotiations resumed.
In a social media post on Monday evening, Mr. MacKinnon urged the two sides “to find a path” towards a settlement as soon as possible after failing to find a consensus on his proposal. The minister stressed that federal mediators remain available.
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. In another tactical move, an unlimited overtime strike was subsequently called by the union on October 10 – prompting concerns by shippers that this could cause delays in cargo-handling.
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)
