Strike in Montreal lifted, negotiations in deadlock

The strike affecting the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals at the Port of Montreal was lifted today at 7 a.m. ET, in accordance with the strike notice filed by the Longshoremen’s Union CUPE, Local 375 last Friday, 27 September.

As a result, all Port of Montreal terminals are now open, and cargo can be picked up or dropped off as usual, the port said in a statement.

However, the port noted that the three-day work stoppage resulted in an accumulation of containers on the ground or awaiting handling. “Clients waiting to import or export goods can expect delays in the coming weeks. Rest assured that our teams are working hard to restore the situation as quickly as possible,” the port added.

The strike began at 7 a.m. ET on Monday. The union previously announced that around 350 members would be involved in the strike.

The strike at Viau and Maisonneuve terminals was unrelated to the current strike on the US east and gulf coasts.

Negotiations in deadlock

Montreal’s longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since 31 December 2023. Negotiations for a new deal began in September 2023, which included a 60-day conciliation period followed by mediation.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) announced on Wednesday, 2 October: “Clearly, the current mediation process is no longer yielding results. The mediation session on 26 September unfortunately led to the longshore workers’ union filing a strike notice the following day. It is also important to remember that 66 days passed without any response from the union after we submitted our offer this summer. We are currently evaluating all available options to reach a sustainable solution that reflects the reality of the situation.”

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) released a statement on the same day on its website, stating: “Despite what it has been repeatedly saying, the MEA has not made itself available to negotiate with CUPE 375.”

“The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service convened a meeting between the parties for Thursday, 3 October at 10 am, but it had to be cancelled because the MEA refused to participate. CUPE 375 has expressed its willingness to negotiate throughout the strike, which cannot be said of the MEA,” CUPE added.

“What is this employer up to? It denounced the effects a partial strike would have on the economy and the supply chain, yet it is not even showing up to the bargaining table to find solutions. It’s mind-boggling,” said CUPE representative Michel Murray.

“The employer’s refusal to attend mediation is, to say the least, surprising, as it claimed in a recent press release that its priority was to secure a negotiated collective agreement as soon as possible. Last Monday, the employer said it was awaiting an invitation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to resume talks,” CUPE further stated.

“The employer also attempted to have the partial strike that began on Monday declared illegal, but this request was denied by the Canadian Labour Relations Board (CLRB). It has tried everything except sitting down for negotiations,” added Murray.