The Montreal Longshoremen’s Union has rejected the Maritime Employers Association’s latest offer, prolonging the ongoing labour dispute at the Port of Montreal.
The ongoing labour dispute at the Port of Montreal remains unresolved after the Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375, rejected the latest offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), prolonging the conflict that has severely disrupted port operations in Montreal. MEA submitted the offer on 7 November and asked for a reply by 10 November, however, the union has turned down the proposal.
The MEA’s proposal outlined a 3% salary increase per year for the first four years, followed by a 3.5% increase for the next two years, resulting in a cumulative wage increase of over 20% over six years.
“The Maritime Employers Association deplores the negative outcome of the vote held by the Montréal Longshoremen’s Union on the final and comprehensive offer tabled on Thursday and has no choice but to declare a lockout as of 9 p.m. this evening,” the MEA said in a statement on 10 November.
In response to the rejection and the ongoing disruption, the MEA has reiterated its call for intervention by Canada’s Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, to help resolve the deadlock. The MEA and numerous stakeholders across the country have called for a swift resolution to restore predictability and stability to the port, with concerns growing over the continued impact on Quebec and Canadian businesses.
In the event of the union’s refusal, the Port of Montreal has warned that the lockout will result in a complete halt of port activities, affecting almost all terminals. Starting Sunday, November 10, at 9 p.m., all terminals, except for a select few, will be closed until further notice. Access will be prohibited, and no rail, truck, or ship services will be provided. The terminals that will remain operational during the lockout include:
- Bickerdike terminal
- Liquid bulk terminals
- Grain terminal (Viterra)
“The Montreal Port Authority deplores the impasse in negotiations between the MEA and the Longshoremen’s Union, Local 375. This new stage of the conflict amplifies the already significant list of commercial and human impacts on thousands of Quebec and Canadian businesses, our economy, and on the supply of goods for millions of people in Quebec and Canada,” the port authority said on November 8.
Strike impact
Negotiations between CUPE Local 375 and the MEA have been ongoing for over a year. Due to lack of a solution the union has launched several strikes, including an indefinite strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals and an indefinite overtime strike. The pressure tactics have resulted in a backlog of containers and a diversion of ships. Rail operations are also suspended at both Cast and Racine facilities.
“This measure is required given the higher-than-usual yard utilization combined with significant operational constraints and uncertainty due to the ongoing tensions concerning the renewal of the Montreal Longshoremen collective agreement,” Maersk said in a customer advisory.
“As a result, CN Rail suspended and removed all capacity at inland terminals for exports destined to Racine terminals. Similarly, as of November 5, CPKC rail has restricted all exports and pre-billed empties destined for POM Racine and Cast. In light of these developments, effective on November 5, the Maersk export detention clock has been suspended for export cargo moving by rail to/from Montreal.”
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, and regardless of negotiations, Montreal will be closed through Tuesday, 12 November.
source: Montreal longshoremen’s union rejects latest offer from MEA ‣ WorldCargo News