Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal have initiated an overtime strike as a pressure tactic against management amid ongoing contract negotiations. The strike, involving nearly 1,200 longshore workers, commenced at 7 a.m. EDT on Thursday, as confirmed by the Maritime Employers Association (MEA). The union has identified scheduling issues, unpredictable shifts, and the reduced use of senior forepersons as primary concerns. "We're ready to negotiate intensively, but since the employer is dragging his feet, we're putting a little pressure on him to devote his energies to finding a solution," stated union spokesman Michel Murray.
The MEA has responded, indicating that the refusal of overtime work could significantly disrupt operations and by extension, affect businesses, industries, and the public. This action follows a three-day strike last week at two terminals, impacting 41 percent of container traffic at Canada's second-largest port. In response to potential delays and rerouted vessels, Maersk announced a surcharge of $2,000 per container on Canada-bound freight from Europe. This development raises concerns among distributors and retail outlets about increased costs and potential supply chain complications. "Boats are going to be rerouted either to Vancouver or Halifax. It then causes crowding there," observed Lisa McEwan, co-owner of Hemisphere Freight.
Source: The Canadian Press