The union representing 1,150 longshore workers at the Port of Montreal today announced that a three-day strike would begin as of 7 a.m. Monday and last until Thursday at Termont’s two terminals – unless, in the meantime, the employer immediately addressed several key issues.
At a press conference, union advisor Michel Murray alleged that Termont has not been respecting the existing collective agreement by halving the number of senior foremen during operations. He also mentioned alleged abuse of the scheduling system.
“If they send us a message this will stop and they will respect the existing contract, we will withdraw the strike notice,” Mr. Murray said.
Some 300 dockers would be part of the labour action, impacting about 40% of container shipments at the port. It will be business as usual at all other terminals of the Port of Montreal.
The Port of Montreal said it has activated its business continuity plan, but expressed its disappointment that the parties have still failed to reach an agreement “while nearly $6 billion worth of goods are expected to arrive at the Port of Montreal’s docks in the coming weeks.”
Jointly owned by Logistec Corporation, Cerescorp and Terminal Investment Limited, Termont operates the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals. The operator has a long-term contract for handling the business of Mediterranean Shipping Company and handles about one third of all containers transiting the port.
In an e-mailed statement, Logistec declared: “The strike applies to Termont’s two terminals, Viau and Maisonneuve, which will be closed during this period, from Monday September 30 at 7:00 AM until Thursday October 3 at 7:00 AM. Both terminals will resume operations at 7:00 AM on Thursday, October 3. We will ensure a smooth resumption of operations on Thursday morning to minimize the impact of this interruption. As a supply chain partner at the Port of Montreal, we hope that the Maritime Employers Association and the Longshoremen’s Union can reach an agreement for business continuity.”
Meanwhile, mediated negotiations, which revived yesterday, are continuing with the Maritime Employers Association to renew the collective agreement which expired on Dec. 31, 2023. Among other demands, the union is reportedly seeking a 20% wage increase over four years as well as an improved work-life balance.
Earlier this week, the members of Local 375 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) rejected the latest offer from the Maritime Employers Association by 99.63 per cent while also according the union a strike mandate to exercise at a time of its choosing.
“Any work stoppage at the Port of Montreal has major consequences,” the Maritime Employers Association stated. “With cargo handled by longshoremen already down by 24 per cent since 2022, we have a joint responsibility to secure a signed collective agreement as quickly as possible.”
(Photo of Termont’s Viau terminal)
