Montreal Dockworkers Refuse Overtime

The Port of Montreal has warned shippers that an overtime strike by union dockworkers at the Port of Montreal could shut down cargo operations across its four main international terminals. Canada’s Labor Minister, Steve MacKinnon, has proposed appointing a special mediator to restart negotiations and implementing a 90-day cooling-off period during which the longshore union, Local 375 of CUPE, and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), would refrain from pressure tactics.

The dispute stems from unresolved contract negotiations between the union and the MEA over work schedules. Montreal’s 1,200 dockworkers, who have been without a contract since the end of 2023, also staged a three-day work stoppage at two container terminals earlier this month.

The Montreal Port Authority has said it is working to minimize disruptions to protect the supply chain and ensure smooth operations at Canada’s second-largest port. Responses from both the MEA and the union to MacKinnon’s proposal are expected imminently.

Source: Journal of Commerce

Related Topics: