By Leo Ryan, Editor
The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) has strongly criticized the latest salvo by the longshore union in the Montreal waterfront labour conflict over conclusion of a new collective agreement.
Local 375 of CUPE representing 1,200 longhoremen early today served notice of a 24-hour strike starting at 7.00 am Sunday. The union also invited its members to attend a special meeting Sunday.
Unlike a work stoppage of three days called on September 30, which was restricted to two container terminals operated by Termont, Sunday’s industrial action appears destined to be felt throughout the port’s facilities as a whole. An overtime strike in effect since October 10 will continue.
“These pressure tactics applied by the Union have created significant operational problems, which are in addition to a number of obstacles that are seriously affecting stability and reliability at the Port of Montréal as well as in the Québec and Canadian supply chain,” the MEA stated.
“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,” the MEA asserted.
The MEA continued: “We recall that the strike called on September 30 by the Union paralyzed operations for three days at the Viau and Maisonneuve (Termont) terminals, which represent 41% of Port of Montréal’s activities, resulting in lasting consequences. The strike that began October 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., which completely halted overtime in all its forms, is still ongoing and continues to cause damages.”
Earlier this week, the MEA and the longshore union 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.
The current collective agreement expired on December 30, 2023. Key outstanding issues are scheduling of working hours and work-life balance.
As the conflict has dragged on, the Port of Montreal has expressed concern “about the impact of pressure tactics on the logistics chain and on the supply of goods and commodities for businesses and the public.”
Additional MEA comments
In further comments, the MEA noted: “After 35 mediation meetings over 15 months, it is clear that the parties are still at square one and at an impasse. Canada’s economic health and security are inextricably linked to the Port of Montréal, which is the largest port in Québec and the second largest in Canada.
“The Port of Montréal serves 110 million people in Québec, Ontario and the American Midwest. The manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, pharmaceutical and construction sectors depend on the Port of Montréal, meaning that thousands of workers and small and large businesses suffer as this situation drags on.
“In this situation of continuing uncertainty, reaching an agreement as soon as possible is crucial to start rebuilding the Port of Montréal’s reputation and, incidentally, reestablishing cargo operations. Without lasting industrial peace, clients will continue to go elsewhere and many will not return, preferring more predictable and stable solutions.
“We firmly believe that the best agreements are reached between the parties at the negotiating table. We sincerely hope that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) will find a path to success in the face of the impasse. As the Minister declared, we will be holding discussions with the FMCS in the coming week.”
(Port of Montreal photo)
