Montreal Port employers present ‘final’ offer to dockworkers, warn of possible lockout

The ongoing labor dispute between the Maritime Employers Association and the Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal at the Port of Montreal has reached a critical point. The MEA has issued a final offer to the dockworkers’ union, threatening a lockout if an agreement is not reached by 9 p.m. Sunday.

The new offer from the MEA includes a significant salary increase for longshore workers, with a three per cent raise per year for four years and a 3.5 per cent raise for the two subsequent years. This offer would bring the total average compensation package for a longshore worker at the Port of Montreal to over $200,000 per year by the end of the contract.

In addition to the salary increase, the MEA is also requesting that longshore workers provide at least one hour’s notice when they will be absent from a shift, rather than the current one minute notice. This change is aimed at reducing management issues that have been impacting daily operations at the port.

The ongoing strike by the union has already paralyzed two terminals, representing 40 per cent of the port’s container handling capacity. A complete strike on overtime has also been in effect since October 10. The union is seeking the same increases granted to counterparts in other ports, as well as improvements in scheduling and work-life balance.

The potential lockout could have significant impacts on the port, which moves $400 million in goods every day. Montreal port authority CEO Julie Gascon has called for federal intervention to end the dispute, stating that negotiations at the table have not been successful and urging the government to help bring true industrial peace.

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has also expressed concern over the slow pace of talks at the ports in Montreal and British Columbia, where more than 700 unionized port workers have been locked out since November 4. He emphasized the need for urgency in resolving the disputes.

As the situation continues to unfold, both employers and employees at the Port of Montreal are facing critical decisions that will impact not only their livelihoods but also the flow of goods through one of Canada’s key ports. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving labor dispute.

This article was sourced from The Canadian Press and is dated 2024.

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Business associations warn that a port shutdown in British Columbia will negatively impact both companies and the Canadian economy.

The recent work stoppage at B.C. ports has caused disruptions in the supply chain, affecting Canadian companies and the economy. Employers at most of the province’s ports have locked out their workers, creating a dispute involving roughly 700 unionized foremen. This comes after a 13-day strike last year and a countrywide work stoppage at Canada’s two biggest railways.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over the frequency of significant labor disruptions, which tarnish Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner. The shutdown at the Port of Vancouver, the most significant port in Canada, is estimated to disrupt $800 million in goods every day and could lead to inflationary pressures.

With the port handling a large volume of both imports and exports, a prolonged stoppage will have a significant impact on businesses and the economy. Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters reported an average daily cost of $207,000 during the 2023 B.C. port strike.

Experts emphasize the importance of resolving the dispute quickly to minimize the economic impact. The federal government’s intervention may be necessary to address labor disputes effectively and maintain the continuous movement of goods through ports.

The disruption at B.C. ports and the ongoing labor dispute at the Port of Montreal highlight the vulnerability of Canada’s trade corridors. Organizations like Fertilizer Canada are calling for amendments to the Canada Labour Code to ensure the continuous movement of essential products during labor disputes. Without swift resolution, industries like potash fertilizer production could face significant losses and affect global food security.

In conclusion, the recent work stoppage at B.C. ports underscores the critical role of ports in Canada’s economy and the need for effective resolution mechanisms to minimize disruptions and maintain trade continuity.

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Ontario to invest $310K in new ‘communications centre’, critics warn it may restrict access

The Ontario government’s decision to spend $310,000 on a new space for press conferences has sparked controversy among opposition parties and media outlets. The new “communications centre” is located in the basement of a legislative precinct building and will be used for all onsite government press conferences, limiting journalists to asking just one question and one follow-up.

Critics, including Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and NDP Leader Marit Stiles, have condemned the move as a way for the government to avoid accountability and limit media access. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner emphasized the importance of using a neutral space for press conferences to ensure journalistic freedom and public accountability.

The cost breakdown for the new space includes $240,000 for construction, $37,000 for technology, $25,000 for a backdrop, and $8,000 for miscellaneous costs. The government claims that the new venue was needed for its technical capabilities and availability on short notice, as the existing media studio in the main legislative building is sometimes already booked or not operational on weekends.

Overall, the decision to create a new space for press conferences has raised concerns about transparency and democratic principles. Critics argue that the move restricts media access and undermines the role of journalists in holding the government accountable. The debate over the use of public funds for this new space is likely to continue as the Ontario government faces scrutiny for its communication practices.

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