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Union Halts Overtime at Port of Montreal

[ October 18, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Longshoremen launched an overtime strike at the Port of Montreal Oct. 10, possibly bringing delays to cargo moving through the port, as mediation is proposed.
During the strike, between the Longshoremen’s Union CUPE, Local 375, and the Maritime Employers Association, the port’s terminals will remain open, but longshoremen will not work overtime as part of their duties.
The action follows a three-day strike that started Sept. 30 at the Viau and Maisonneuve Termont container terminals.
Montreal Port Authority referred to the union action as “pressure tactics” that could result in processing delays and a container backlog. About 40 percent of container-handling capacity on the St. Laurence Seaway is impacted in Quebec and Canada.
The ongoing strike is part of a broader issue of seeking a new collective bargaining agreement between longshore workers and the MEA for more than a year. Montreal longshore workers have been operating without a collective bargaining agreement since the end of 2023.
Canada Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon met with the two sides Oct. 15 and proposed appointment of a special mediator to conduct another round of negotiations for 90 days without fear of strikes or lockouts.
The port authority said about 10 ships were expected at port as of Oct. 10, with these terminals and handling companies impacted: Cast, Maisonneuve, Racine, Viau, Logistec terminals in Montreal and Contrecœur (dry bulk); CanEst and Lantic.
Not affected by the work action were liquid bulk handling, Oceanex service at the Bickerdike terminal, and the Viterra grain terminal.

Tags: Port of Montreal