Labour conflicts at Canadian ports disrupt $1.3bn in daily trade, mediation aims for resolution
The Port of Montreal is set to enter a 90-day mediation process following a six-day work stoppage earlier this month, as reported by BNN Bloomberg.
This mediation, aimed at resolving ongoing contract disputes, will be followed by binding arbitration, according to the Maritime Employers Association (MEA).
Earlier, on November 15, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered the resumption of operations at the port after federal intervention, as noted by Reuters.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon directed the CIRB to end the disputes, citing significant economic damage. The work stoppage had impacted over $1.3bn in daily trade, including shipments of canola oil and forest products.
The MEA confirmed that port operations resumed that weekend following the CIRB directive.
However, management anticipates that it will take several weeks to restore shipment volumes to pre-lockout levels. The lockout began after the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union rejected a final contract offer, leading to federal intervention.
The union, representing 1,200 longshore workers, stated on November 25 that it plans to challenge the minister’s orders. This marks the second time in three months that the federal government has intervened to resolve labour disputes in Canada.
In August, the government stepped in to end work stoppages at the country's two largest railways.
The situation at the Port of Montreal is part of broader tensions across Canada’s transportation sector. Over the past 18 months, labour disputes have disrupted operations at BC ports, railways, and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
On November 15, the BC Maritime Employers Association also received orders to resume operations, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 announced plans to legally challenge government intervention in disputes on the West Coast.
The upcoming mediation at the Port of Montreal reflects a renewed effort to achieve resolution with external facilitators.
Labour Minister MacKinnon has emphasized the need to mitigate disruptions that could harm Canada’s trade relationships, highlighting the high stakes of these ongoing disputes.
