Canada’s St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) has announced the ratification of a new four-year collective agreement with its unionized employees represented by UNIFOR Locals 4211, 4319, 4212, 4323 and 4320. Covering some 320 maintenance and operations employees, the agreement includes total wage increases of 13%.
The previous collective agreement expired on March 31, 2026.
“A four-year agreement provides greater stability and predictability for our customers, our employees and the industries that depend on the Seaway,” said Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of SLSMC. “It gives us a strong foundation to look ahead and continue working together to support growth, trade and the long-term competitiveness and resilience of this vital transportation corridor.”
The St. Lawrence Seaway is a critical trade corridor and an important part of Canada’s economy and supply chains, connecting the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River to global markets. The four-year agreement supports SLSMC’s continued focus on providing the capacity Canadian industries need to move goods, grow trade and compete in global markets.
(SLSMC photo of vessel in Welland Canal)