Port of Quebec’s 80 longshore workers last week voted 70% to reject the mediator’s proposal to end a more than one-year lockout. With the festive season approaching and the specter of a second Christmas on the picket lines, members rejected the offer they found to be unsatisfactory.

“It is an act of faith, a very courageous gesture and a message to the employer that 15 months into the lockout, a half-hearted agreement isn’t going to cut it. The parties must return to the bargaining table and find common ground satisfactory to both parties,” explained CUPE union representative Nina Laflamme.

The longshore workers have been locked out since September 15, 2022, and the employer has brought in replacement workers.

Negotiations began on May 31, 2022, and on June 16, 2022, the union requested mediation.

The union said it has no further comment and is focusing instead on putting all of its energies into negotiating at the bargaining table.

(CUPE photo)