Canada’s labor minister's mediation proposal rejected amid a standoff at the port of Montreal

Posted on October 23, 2024   |  

Canada’s Labor Minister suggested restarting mediation to resolve the Port of Montreal labor dispute, but the proposal was rejected, creating uncertainty in the resolution process.

For nearly 2 weeks, the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union CUPE Local 375 has been refusing overtime assignments as a tactic against the Maritime Employers Association (MEA).

On October 15, the Labor Minister met with both parties and proposed appointing a special mediator for a 90-day negotiation period.

The longshoremen’s union declared on October 10 that it would stop all overtime work amid ongoing negotiations.

The MEA stated it would not pay employees assigned to shifts with incomplete crews and called on the union to withdraw its pressure tactic and return to talks.

The Port Authority of Montreal warned that the overtime strike could delay or disrupt the handling of about 50% of goods passing through the port.

Dockworkers have been without a contract throughout 2024, seeking a 20% pay increase over four years and improved shift scheduling, as the dispute affects the port's reputation and cargo volume.