Port of Montreal operations are scheduled to stop as dockers continue their strikes, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

Canada's ports continue to struggle with labour disputes impacting both coasts and the potential to create disruptions and delays.

Both disputes have been prolonged, mirroring similar disputes that have developed at ports around the world as longshoremen and other workers address automation and demand recognition for their role in keeping supply chains moving during the pandemic.

Montreal dockers have been working without a contract for all of 2024, but after 35 mediation meetings over 15 months, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) says "It is clear that the parties are still at square one and at an impasse."

The Port of Montreal longshoremen's union CUPE Local 375 filed its third strike notice, informing the MEA and the Port of Montreal Association of its intent to hold a 24-hour strike.

Some 1,200 dockers will stop work. Liquid bulk and the grain terminals will again be excluded from the action.

At the end of September, 300 dockers stopped work for three days at four of Montreal's container terminals. This was followed by a ban on all overtime that started on October 10 and continues.

The MEA issued a statement saying, "These pressure tactics applied by the union have created significant operational problems, which are in addition to a number of obstacles that are seriously affecting stability and reliability at the Port of Montreal as well as in the Quebec and Canadian supply chain."

However, no clear path has emerged for resolving the dispute. Last week, Canada's Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon met with both sides and proposed a special mediator and a 90-day period. The offer was not accepted and has been withdrawn.

The MEA emphasized that the uncertainty is having an impact on the port and shippers. They contend that cargo handled in Montreal decreased by 24 per cent since 2022 during a series of labour disputes. They believe that shippers have shifted cargo to US ports.

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