Negotiations for a new contract at the Port of Montreal stalled as the longshore union requested the Canadian government’s intervention early in the talks with maritime employers. The move to mediation raised concerns about declining shipper confidence in using the port. The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) initiated talks on September 13 with Local 375 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) for a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. However, the union swiftly sought the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service’s help just a day after the demands were exchanged. Montreal’s dockworkers currently operate under an interim deal since their previous contract lapsed in 2018. There’s a possibility of another strike in January 2024, which is concerning given that the previous strike, in 2020, caused significant economic losses. Sources revealed that the union is seeking a 20 percent wage increase over four years and improved job security for workers. The MEA celebrated a recent arbitration victory, citing the need for fairer practices in designating eligible longshore workers. Nonetheless, the ongoing uncertainty and disruptions are anticipated to contribute to a decline in Montreal’s containerized cargo volume.
