Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal went on strike early Sunday in a one-day walkout to increase pressure on their employer during challenging contract negotiations.
The union representing close to 1,200 longshore workers at the country’s second-largest port announced on Thursday a complete work stoppage from 7 a.m. on Sunday until Monday morning.
This strike adds to the ongoing overtime strike and a recent three-day strike at two container terminals that concluded earlier this month.
The Maritime Employers Association confirmed that the work stoppage includes the Montreal port and the Contrecoeur terminal. However, activities related to grain vessels and the supply of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue as per the Canadian Industrial Relations Board’s decision in July.
“The MEA is hopeful that discussions with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will be productive, leading to a swift return to the negotiation table for a mutually agreed collective agreement,” the company stated in a news release on Saturday. The parties have been at a standstill following 35 mediation meetings spanning 15 months.
A union spokesperson mentioned that striking workers held a special general assembly on Sunday morning but did not disclose the agenda or make anyone available for an interview.
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The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses expressed concern that the union’s actions are impacting small and medium-sized businesses, especially with the upcoming holiday shopping season.
“It’s crucial for the federal government to designate ports as essential services to ensure continuous operations,” stated Jasmin Guenette, the federation’s national affairs vice-president.
The workers have been operating without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023.
