As dock workers announced a 24-hour strike starting Sunday, 27 October at 7 am, Montreal’s port faces another wave of disruption. The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) has warned that the strike’s impact will extend beyond the one-day stoppage.

“We recall that the strike called on 30 September by the union paralyzed operations for three days at the Viau and Maisonneuve (Termont) terminals, which represent 41% of port of Montréal’s activities, resulting in lasting consequences. The strike that began 10 October, which completely halted overtime in all its forms, is ongoing and continues to cause damage,” MEA said.

The MEA said the disruptions have contributed to a -24% drop in cargo volumes since 2022. According to the eeSea liner database, Montreal handled 1.7m TEU in 2021 and 2022. It declined 1.5m TEU in 2023. As of 2024, year-to-date, Montreal has handled 1.1m TEU.

The dispute shows no signs of ending. Both unions and employers recently rejected a government proposal for special mediation. After 35 mediation meetings over 15 months, the MEA states negotiations are “at square one and at an impasse”.

Source: The Loadstar