An indefinite strike is happening at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals of the Port of Montreal, following a strike notice issued by CUPE Local 375, the union representing longshore workers. The strike comes amidst ongoing labor disputes regarding working conditions, particularly related to scheduling practices that the union claims are detrimental to workers' well-being.
As a result of the strike, the two Termont-operated terminals are now closed, halting all rail, truck, and ship services. This disruption is particularly significant as it paralyzes 40% of the port's total container handling capacity at a critical time when holiday goods are expected to be arriving.
CUPE Local 375 has accused Termont of provoking workers through punitive scheduling, which has adversely affected their work-life balance. “If we reach a permanent agreement on this issue, we could avoid a strike,” said Michel Murray, a CUPE representative. The union has expressed readiness to negotiate but has faced ongoing frustrations with Termont's approach.
The impact of the strike is already being felt, with containers piling up on-site, including refrigerated containers carrying medical and food products. The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has noted that ships and trains are being diverted to alternative routes due to the closures, exacerbating supply chain issues.
"We are deeply concerned about the negative repercussions of this work stoppage," said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Port of Montreal. "It is imperative that the parties reach an agreement. This new work stoppage at the very hub of our supply chain can only have a deeply negative impact on thousands of local businesses and the economy of Quebec and Canada as a whole."
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has also raised alarms about the wider implications of labor disruptions at Canadian ports. The organization is re-launching its Port Shutdown Calculator, a tool designed to illustrate the significant economic impact of port closures. Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, stated that this latest port shutdown will disrupt $800 million worth of goods daily.
"Every hour the ports remain closed fuels inflation, raising prices for businesses and consumers," Anderson noted. "Small businesses across Canada are anxiously awaiting their final shipments of holiday goods, and many are now worried they might not arrive on time."
West coast labor dispute escalates
In a related development, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) has started a full-scale lockout of all BC ports in response to a strike notice served by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514. The ILWU plans to engage in limited job action, including an overtime ban, beginning Monday, November 4, unless a new collective agreement is reached.
ILWU Local 514 President Frank Morena expressed frustration with the BCMEA’s response, stating that the union has been negotiating in good faith for nearly two years. "Our members are extremely angry that the BCMEA has continuously refused to bargain on major issues, including manning," he said.
The BCMEA's threat of a lockout comes amid ongoing mediation efforts, which were complicated when the BCMEA did not attend scheduled sessions. Morena criticized the employers for what he perceives as a lack of commitment to reaching an agreement, asserting that the union is prepared to take limited job action but is still willing to negotiate.
"If we reach a permanent agreement on this issue, we could avoid a strike," Morena stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation as the union prepares for potential escalations.
The situation at both the Port of Montreal and BC ports underscores the fragility of supply chains across Canada, with significant economic implications as disruptions threaten the timely delivery of critical goods and the stability of local businesses. As negotiations continue, stakeholders on both sides are urging for immediate dialogue to resolve the ongoing labor disputes and restore normal operations.
