Ships divert as indefinite strike shuts down Montreal’s Termont terminals

An indefinite strike has commenced at the Port of Montreal’s Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, effectively halting operations at the Termont-run facilities. Launched by CUPE Local 375, the longshore workers’ union representing the Port of Montreal, the strike began on 31 October at 11 a.m. local time, forcing the complete suspension of rail, truck, and ship services at the two terminals.

With 40% of Montreal’s total container-handling capacity now paralyzed, the impact is already rippling across the region’s logistics network, with ships and trains diverting to alternative routes. The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has expressed “deep concern” over the strike’s adverse effects on supply chains and the broader economy at a time when goods, especially those for the holiday season, are expected at the port.

While the Termont terminals are closed, all other Port of Montreal terminals continue to operate as normal.

• Bickerdike, Cast, Racine and CanEst container terminals
• Logistec dry bulk terminals (Montreal and Contrecœur)
• Liquid bulk terminals
• Grain terminal (Viterra)

The latest strike is taking place after the union and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) failed to reach an agreement on a new labour contract and work scheduling to improve work-life balance for longshore workers. CUPE 375 said that Termont is being targeted because “it is the only company at the Port of Montreal to modify (work) schedules in a punitive way.” Longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023. The union has staged several strikes in recent months, including a 24-hour strike on October 27 that halted all operations at the Port of Montreal, a three-day strike in September and an indefinite overtime strike which has been in place since early October.

Impact of recent strikes

“At present, the overtime strike launched two weeks ago has already caused a backlog of containers on site (including hundreds of refrigerated containers carrying containers of medical, pharmaceutical and food products), as well as a loss of productivity, leading to the cancellation of several outbound train convoys,” the port authority said.

“Of the five container ships with a total combined capacity of 18,000 TEU heading to Montreal, including containers of critical goods (medical and pharmaceutical products), some have already turned back to other ports due to what is happening at this time. Of the 26 container ships scheduled to call at the Viau or Maisonneuve terminals over the next three weeks, it is likely that many other vessels could as well change their port of destination.”

Following the strike notice on Monday, October 28, MEA asked the Canadian Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, to appoint a special mediator to help hammer out an agreement with the longshore workers.

“MEA deplores the new unlimited strike called by the Port of Montréal Longshoremen’s Union that specifically paralyzes the two terminals operated by Termont as of 11:00 a.m. today. The MEA cannot grant the union’s demand to change work hours without formal negotiations. The schedules used on the different docks—shift and relay—called into question by the union in recent days, are enshrined in the collective agreement in force and cannot be used as a bargaining chip for a strike targeting a single operator, as is the case today,” the employers said in a statement.

The union has told WorldCargo News that “MEA is stalling the talks” and that the longshore workers have told the government that they are in favour of a special mediator under certain conditions, which MEA did not accept.

According to Port of Montréal data, cargo volume is already down 30% compared to 2022.

“The MEA has been affected by a drop in volume at the Port of Montréal for several months already, forcing it to make some cuts within the organisation. It continues to regularly review its situation. Difficult but necessary decisions may have to be made to cope with the many impacts of this new strike,” MEA added.

“The Maritime Employers Association reiterates its request that the federal Minister of Labour intervene to bring the parties back to the negotiating table to put an end to this conflict that affects our clients, partners and their trust in the Port of Montréal.”

“It is imperative that the parties reach an agreement,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Port of Montreal. “This shutdown affects half of our international container terminals and heightens a climate of uncertainty that undermines the reliability and image of our logistics sector, key elements in the confidence that businesses place in the Greater Montreal ecosystem. Faced with these challenges, our resolve to find a quick and lasting solution is more pressing than ever. We are all aware of how crucial operations at the Port of Montreal are, and the vital role they play not only for Quebec, but also for the rest of Canada. The need to reach an agreement quickly is acute and cannot be ignored.”