The Halifax Employers Association (HEA) and the longshore unions representing waterfront labour at the Nova Scotia port have agreed to extend their contract for a year until the end of 2021.
The current collective agreement and Mid-West Cargo rebate agreement were slated to expire on December 31, 2020. “The contract extension has been ratified by parties and was agreed to in response to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic to provide labour stability in the longshore industry in the Port of Halifax,” stated an HEA press release.
The HEA further declared: “Due to the dedication of our workforce, and the cooperation and planning of the HEA and ILA contingency planning committee, the Port of Halifax has continued to maintain normal operations throughout the pandemic, thereby ensuring the flow of essential goods and materials to and from Atlantic Canada and the rest of the country. This extension will ensure this will continue to be the case while we face the challenges that may lie ahead.”
The HEA represents steamship companies and agents employing labour, stevedores and container terminal operators handling vessels in the Port of Halifax. The Council of I.L.A. Locals for the Port of Halifax acts on behalf of its members, the Halifax Longshoremen’s Association, Local 269; the Halifax Freight & Steamship Checkers Union, Local 1341; and the Halifax Gear Repair and Maintenance Men, Local 1825. (photo HPA)
