Montréal Employers Threaten to Suspend Wage Guarantee for Striking Dockers

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) said it will have no choice but to suspend the wage guarantee for all shore workers at the port from November 5, ahead of the upcoming strike on November 4 at two terminals at the Port of Montréal. The Port of Montréal not working. The move is a mitigation measure to reduce the cumulative financial impact of repeated strikes and low volumes at the Port of Montréal, MEA’s Nov. 2 announcement said.

The Port of Montréal Authority (MPA) expressed its “deep concern” about the negative effects of the strike on supply chains and the overall economy at a time when goods, especially those for the holiday season, are waiting at the port. With 40% of Montréal’s total container handling capacity paralyzed, according to World Cargo News, the impact is already rippling through the region’s logistics network, with ships and trains turning to alternative routes.

The MEA said it proposes to enter into a period of accelerated negotiations with the Union, without preconditions, with the support of a special mediator appointed by the federal Minister of Labor, with the aim of reaching a new collective agreement.

Rejecting this proposal, the Union of Longshoremen of the Port of Montréal (CUPE Local 375) called for an unrestricted strike on October 31, which would directly block the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals operated by TerMont and the handling of 40% of the containers delivered to the port. “This regrettable decision, in addition to the refusal to work overtime since October 10, has a major impact on most operations at the Port of Montréal,” the MEA said. “Union actions caused cargo to be moved to other locations.”

The MEA notified the Union that it would suspend the wage guarantee that ensures that Port of Montréal shoreline workers who are on duty but not working due to workload receive their full salary each week. The provision specific to Montréal coastal workers is expected to cost about $15 million in 2024, the MEA said. The suspension will not extend to workers in mass sectors and essential services.

While TerMont terminals are closed, all other Port of Montréal terminals continue to operate normally.