theglobeandmail.com
Montreal Port Lockout After Contract Rejection
A lockout at the Port of Montreal is underway after dockworkers overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer, impacting trade and adding to labor disputes at major Canadian ports.
English
Canada
Labour MarketInternational TradeLabor DisputeCanadian EconomyContract NegotiationPort StrikeLockout
Canadian Union Of Public Employees (Cupe)Maritime Employers Association (Mea)Port Of MontrealPort Of VancouverGovernment Of Canada
Michel MurraySteve Mackinnon
- Why did the union reject the employers' offer?
- The union's rejection stems from disagreements over scheduling and work-life balance, with the union seeking the same 20% increase over four years granted to counterparts in Halifax and Vancouver. They felt the employer's offer was insufficient and did not address these core concerns.
- How does this labor dispute relate to other port activity in Canada?
- The lockout at the Port of Montreal adds to existing labor disputes, as workers at the Port of Vancouver are also locked out. This affects Canada's two largest ports, impacting goods movement and the national economy.
- What were the key components of the employers' final contract offer?
- The Maritime Employers Association stated that their "final, comprehensive offer" included a 3% annual salary increase for four years, followed by a 3.5% increase for two more years, potentially raising average compensation to over $200,000 annually.
- What was the outcome of the vote by the dockworkers' union at the Port of Montreal?
- The union representing approximately 1200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal overwhelmingly rejected (99.7%) the latest contract offer from the Maritime Employers Association, leading to a lockout.
- What is the economic impact of the lockout at the Port of Montreal and what is the employer's request?
- The Maritime Employers Association urged federal intervention to resolve the dispute and mitigate the economic consequences of the lockout, which affects approximately $400 million in daily goods movement through the Port of Montreal. Three terminals will remain operational.