Canada’s busiest ports have resumed operations after labor disputes disrupted container flows. On 14 November, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered an end to union worker lockouts and mandated binding arbitration in ongoing contract disputes. Earlier, port employers had locked out union workers on both coasts due to strike actions.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority noted that a full recovery will take time and warned of the long-term impact on Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade gateway. Since operations resumed, container dwell times at the Port of Vancouver are averaging 7.7 days and continues to improve but it remains above October’s 4.5-day average. Rail production is at 54,000 feet per day and has nearly returned to its pre-disruption level of 57,000 feet per day.

Montreal restarted container operations on 16 November at all four container terminals. More than 5,000 TEUs remain on the ground across the terminals, with 55,000 linear feet of rail to handle. Montreal Port Authority officials predict it may take several weeks to fully restore supply chain fluidity as vessels continue to arrive.

Source: American Shipper