A Canadian port authority has accused the organisation behind a new stevedore strike of using “pressure tactics”.
The Port of Montreal said it is “concerned” by a four-day strike, beginning 27 July, that will see a suspension of mooring services usually provided by longshoremen and cargo handling services at Port of Montreal terminals. The port authority said the Maritime Employers Association was informed of the strike by the Syndicat des Débardeurs C.U.P.E. Local 375, which it criticised for compromising port operations.
Commenting on the strike, the Montreal Port Authority said it “is concerned about this situation, as Port activities are essential to keep the economy running smoothly and, in some cases, to ensure public health and safety”.
It added: “A prolonged stoppage or slowdown in port operations is unwelcome, not only for the logistics and supply chain but also for the businesses and citizens who benefit from the movement of goods.”
Operations are expected to return to normal starting 31 July with efforts to deal with any delays as a result of the strike.
Liquid bulk handling, the Oceanex service (Bickerdike Terminal) and the grain terminal (Viterra) are unaffected.
