“Port of Montreal Labor Crisis: Minister Proposes 90-Day Strike Freeze and Mediator to Resolve Dispute”
Federal Labour Minister Proposes 90-Day Strike Freeze and Mediator at Port of Montreal
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has introduced a proposal aimed at resolving ongoing contract negotiations at the Port of Montreal. The initiative includes the appointment of a special mediator and a 90-day freeze on strikes and lockouts, allowing both union and management to focus on reaching an agreement.
In a social media announcement on Tuesday evening, MacKinnon stated that the union and management must decide by Friday night whether to accept or reject the offer for a temporary cessation of work stoppages. His visit to Montreal on Tuesday involved discussions with officials from both parties regarding the pressing issues at hand.
The context for this proposal follows recent labor disruptions at the port. On Thursday, approximately 1,200 dockworkers initiated an indefinite strike concerning overtime shifts, just one week after staging a three-day strike that affected two container terminals.
The Maritime Employers Association acknowledged the impact of these job actions, stating that they have significantly disrupted operations. The association has indicated it will carefully review the minister’s proposal.
Meanwhile, the union has identified scheduling as a critical obstacle in negotiations but opted not to comment on the proposal at this time.
As discussions continue, the outcome of the proposed mediator and strike freeze could play a crucial role in resolving the labor tensions affecting one of Canada’s key trade gateways.
Source : The Canadian Press
