Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal are set to cease all overtime work as a tactic in ongoing contract negotiations. The union, representing approximately 1,200 longshore workers, announced plans for an "overtime strike" commencing at 7 a.m. EDT on Thursday, continuing indefinitely. Michel Murray, a spokesperson for the union affiliated with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, emphasized the union's readiness for intensive negotiations but noted the employer's reluctance as the reason for applying pressure. Scheduling issues have been highlighted as a primary concern in the discussions, which have seen the involvement of federal mediators since last Friday.
The negotiations resumed following a three-day strike affecting two terminals, responsible for 41% of container traffic at Canada's second-largest port. The Maritime Employers Association has expressed concerns over the protracted negotiations, indicating potential reputational damage for Canada as a trading partner and the operational disruptions expected from the overtime work stoppage. The association warned that employees on shifts with incomplete crews would face wage impacts. It has urged the union to retract the strike notice and adhere to mediators' proposed procedures to expedite a resolution.
The potential for operational backlogs poses concerns for various sectors, including the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, which highlighted the broader implications for the supply chain and food waste. The current job action adds to a series of supply chain challenges faced over the past 15 months, including weather incidents and other labor disputes, underscoring the ongoing struggle from production to retail.
Source: The Canadian Press