The Port of Montreal has noted that it has suffered a substantial 11%-volume drop in March as a result of uncertainty and anxiety triggered by the on-going labour negotiations. On Saturday, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) exercised its right and gave 72-hour notice to the union executive of the longshoremen that they would be removing the income guarantee and stop paying the hours that are not worked in order to mitigate the adverse effects of this volume drop. CUPE Local has responded with its own notice advising that employees will no longer work overtime or participate in training activities. Martin Imbleau, President and CEO for the Port of Montreal, issued a statement expressing concern with the resulting drop in capacity by close to 30% and noted that current volumes pale in comparison to its competitors on the US East Coast who are enjoying significant growth. Despite this latest development, both parties indicated that they will continue to work with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.