MEA submits a final offer to the union

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) submitted a final offer to the Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375, on 7 November, aiming to resolve the ongoing labour dispute. The MEA has requested a response from the Union by 8 p.m. on Sunday, 10 November, regarding the offer, which includes a cumulative wage increase of over 20% over six years.

Negotiations between CUPE Local 375 and the MEA have been ongoing for over a year, but pressure tactics have led to the disruption of port operations in recent weeks. This marks the third labour dispute in four years at the Port of Montreal, with the current deadlock causing significant operational disruptions.

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Strike and operational impact

An indefinite strike began on 31 October at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals following the strike notice filed by CUPE Local 375. As a result, both Termont-operated terminals are closed, and no rail, truck, or ship services are being provided. The overtime strike, which began four weeks ago, has caused a backlog of containers onsite, including hundreds of refrigerated containers with medical, pharmaceutical, and food products. Productivity losses have also led to the cancellation of several outbound train convoys.

The MEA has informed the Union that, if no agreement is reached by 9 p.m. on 10 November, only essential services and activities unrelated to longshoring will continue at the Port of Montreal.

MEA’s final offer

According to the MEA, its final offer “aims to acknowledge the valuable contributions of its employees and their families.” The MEA proposes a 3% salary increase per year for the first four years, followed by a 3.5% increase for the subsequent two years, retroactive to the beginning of 2024. By the end of the contract, the total average compensation for a longshore worker at the Port of Montreal would exceed C$ 200,000 per year. The proposed increases would also apply to the current pension plan and benefits.

In addition to the wage increases, the MEA is requesting that longshore workers provide at least one hour’s notice of absence, rather than the current one-minute notice before a shift. The MEA explained that this measure would help address absenteeism and improve operational efficiency.

Federal intervention urged

Speaking at a luncheon organised by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) on 7 November, Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, expressed deep concern about the ongoing labour dispute and its impacts on port operations.

She called for federal intervention to resolve the deadlock, stating, “I believe that the best agreements are negotiated at the table. But let’s face it, there are no negotiations, and the government must act by offering both sides a path to true industrial peace.”

Other terminals remain operational

While the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals remain closed, all other Port of Montreal terminals continue to operate. These include the Bickerdike, Cast, Racine, and CanEst container terminals; the Logistec dry bulk terminals in Montreal and Contrecœur; the liquid bulk terminals; and the Viterra grain terminal.