Montreal employers are threatening to suspend the striking salary guarantee for dock workers

Ahead of a threatened strike on November 4 at two terminals at the Port of Montreal, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) said it will have no choice but to move forward with the suspension of a salary guarantee effective November 5 for all port workers in the Port of Montreal. Port of Montreal not working. The MEA’s Nov. 2 announcement stated that this move was a mitigation measure to reduce the cumulative financial impact of repeated strikes and lower volumes at the Port of Montreal.

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has expressed “deep concern” about the strike’s negative impact on supply chains and the broader economy at a time when goods, especially those for the holidays, are expected at the port. According to World Cargo News, the impact is already being felt across the region’s logistics network, with 40% of Montreal’s total container capacity paralyzed, with ships and trains diverted to alternative routes.

The MEA said it had proposed entering into a period of accelerated negotiations with the Union, without preconditions, with the support of a special mediator appointed by the Federal Minister of Labour, to reach a new collective agreement.

The Port of Montréal Longshoremen’s Union, CUPE Local 375, rejected this proposal and declared an indefinite strike on October 31 that directly blocks the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, operated by TerMont, and the handling of 40% of containers delivered to the port . “This regrettable decision, which comes on top of the refusal to work overtime since October 10, has a major impact on most operations at the Port of Montreal,” the MEA said. “Union actions caused a movement of cargo to other destinations.”

The MEA has informed the union that it will suspend the salary guarantee under which Port of Montreal dockworkers who are on call but not working due to insufficient volume will receive their full salary each week. The MEA said the facility, unique to Montreal dockworkers, is expected to cost about $15 million by 2024. The suspension would exclude workers in the bulk sector and essential services.

While the TerMont terminals are closed, all other terminals at the Port of Montreal continue to operate normally.