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Dockworkers Strike Paralyzes Montreal Port: A Call for Essential Service Designation

Dockworkers Strike Paralyzes Montreal Port: A Call for Essential Service Designation
Monday 28 October 2024 - 12:25
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In a significant disruption to operations, the Port of Montreal has come to a standstill due to a 24-hour strike by dockworkers. Nearly a thousand workers across four terminals participated in the strike, which aims to expedite negotiations for a new collective agreement, as stated by the Montreal Dockworkers Union.

This strike follows a previous three-day work stoppage earlier in October, highlighting ongoing tensions in labor relations at one of Canada’s busiest ports. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has urged the federal government to classify ports as essential services to mitigate the economic impact of such strikes.

Last week, Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon proposed mediation between the union and the Maritime Employers Association to resolve the deadlock. The minister's office reiterated the need for both parties to reach a negotiated agreement promptly, emphasizing the availability of federal mediators to assist in the process.

The collective agreement for the dockworkers expired on December 31 of the previous year, leaving the workforce in a state of uncertainty as negotiations continue. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments in hopes of a swift resolution.