Canada’s second largest port is once again facing an industrial action standoff with serious consequences for productivity.
The Port of Montreal said it has been reduced to providing “a part-time public service” with "significantly reduced capacities". The port, which was hit with strike action last year too, was reacting to the Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal’s (CUPE 375) notice of a partial strike from Tuesday 13 April from which date longshore workers will not work overtime or extend their shifts beyond eight hours. Starting Saturday, 17 April, workers will also begin striking on Saturday and Sunday indefinitely.
This follows the Maritime Employers Association’s (MEA) decision to suspend minimum guaranteed pay for longshoremen in favour of paying only for the hours worked, citing an 11% drop in cargo volumes.
What impact will there be?
Martin Imbleau, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, said: “After an 11% drop in its volumes in March, the port must now come to terms with decisions that result in a reduction of nearly 30% of its port capacities.”
He added that the industrial dispute “significantly affects the reliability of port operations”.
He further elaborated: “The reduction in the available slots will generate delays and additional costs for customers in Quebec and Ontario. Few of the public services offered on a part-time basis: yet this is what will be imposed on the thousands of businesses that are the Port's raison d'être.
“The current labour dispute means that port operations will only be offered partially and that these capacities will be significantly reduced. For these thousands of exporters and importers and for the people who rely on this supply, the parties must recognize the strategic nature of this public service and quickly reach an agreement.”
