CUPE 375, the union representing longshore workers at Montreal, the largest port in eastern Canada, has announced a 24-hour strike notice. This strike will take place from 7:00 AM local time on October 27 to 6:59 AM local time on October 28.

This action is part of an ongoing industrial dispute that began on October 10, following a previous three-day strike that affected operations at the Viau and Maisonneuve (Termont) terminals, which concluded on October 2. Unfortunately, the union has not yet been able to establish a productive dialogue with the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) regarding a new collective agreement, as the last agreement expired on December 31, 2023.

According to vessel-tracking data from S&P Global, only eight container ships are scheduled to arrive in Montreal over the next week, including the MSC Anya, MSC Celine, MSC Levina III, MSC Sena, Hapag-Lloyd’s Genoa Express and Ontario Express, CMA CGM-operated EM Kea, and OOCL St. Lawrence.

In a statement released on October 24, the MEA expressed disappointment regarding the latest industrial action, noting that the union's tactics have led to significant operational challenges. These issues are compounding existing difficulties that are impacting the stability and reliability of the Port of Montreal, as well as the broader supply chain in Quebec and Canada.

The MEA has urged the union to consider the repercussions of these actions, especially as Montreal has experienced a decline in container volumes since 2022. In 2023, the port processed 1.5 million TEUs, a decrease from 1.7 million TEUs in 2022, as more cargo has been redirected to the US East Coast.

On October 15, Minister of Labour and Seniors Steven MacKinnon suggested appointing a special mediator to facilitate negotiations between the union and the MEA, allowing for a 90-day period free from pressure tactics. However, the MEA reported that, despite serious consideration of this proposal, an agreement could not be reached, leading to the minister withdrawing his offer.

After 35 mediation meetings over the past 15 months, it is evident that both parties remain at an impasse. The MEA emphasized the importance of the Port of Montreal to various sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction, highlighting that the ongoing situation is adversely affecting thousands of workers and businesses of all sizes.

In light of the continuing uncertainty, the MEA stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement to restore the Port of Montreal's reputation and resume cargo operations. They believe that without lasting industrial peace, clients may seek alternatives and may not return, opting for more stable and predictable solutions. The MEA firmly advocates for negotiations to take place at the table to achieve the best outcomes for all parties involved.