Port of Montreal Faces Continued Threat of Potential Strike

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Dear Customer,

There is growing concern of potential labour disruption at the Port of Montreal.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 375), which covers approximately 1200 longshore workers have been without a labour deal since their agreement expired on December 31.

Earlier this month, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) dismissed a request from the MEA to require employees to work during a strike. The rejection by the CIRB has now introduced the opportunity for job action or lockout after a six-month freeze while the ask was under consideration. That freeze ended with the board’s decision on March 14.

It would appear that the parties remain at an impasse with further negotiations stalled. It is reported that the last meeting between the two sides took place back on January 16.

Many in the industry are growing concerned that the union could issue a 72-hour strike notice at any point.

It is also worth noting that labour tensions are also simmering in other areas of the transportation sector with both CN and CP in talks with the unions representing approximately 9200 conductors, engineers, and yard workers. These discussions have been overseen by federal mediators since the beginning of March.

A mandated 60-day period of mediated negotiations followed by a 21-day cooling-off period means a work stoppage by either carrier could begin as soon as May 21.

We are continuing to monitor the potential for labour action in all cases above and will endeavor to provide further updates as new information is received.

Please reach out to your Hensall Global representatives should you have any questions / concerns.

Sincerely,

HENSALL GLOBAL LOGISTICS

Posted By:

Hensall Admin at 11:46 AM

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Port of Montreal Faces Continued Threat of Potential Strike