The Montréal longshoremen’s and checker’s current collective agreements expire on December 31st.
Information on the Port of Montreal Longshore Workers agreement was included in the FMA broadcast message of September 26 reporting on the major transportation labour agreements expiring in late 2023. This message provides an update on the Longshore negotiations.
This agreement between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 375), covers approximately 1,000 longshore workers at the Port of Montreal, and expires on December 31. The MEA has reported that, after only several hours of bargaining on September 13, CUPE 375, applied to Labour Canada for formal conciliation.
By starting the conciliation/mediation process this far in advance of the December 31 expiry date, presumably the union wants to be in a position to call a strike shortly after the expiry date, should they feel a strike is necessary.
The MEA has provided the following additional information on October 8.
Regarding the CUPE 375, Montreal longshoremen; on September 13th, the first meeting between parties took place to exchange demands.
On September 22nd, the Union executive Committee sent a notice of dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
The conciliation period of 60 days began October 6th, with the appointment of conciliators by the Federal mediation and conciliation service. Conciliation period can be extended if both parties agree and is followed by a 21-day “cooling off” period.
Parallel actions by MEA as permitted by the Canadian Labour Code
On October 4th, the MEA filed a complaint of bad faith negotiations to the CIRB since the Union Executive refused to negotiate before filing a Notice of dispute.
On October 6th, the MEA filed an Essential Services request to the CIRB to assure activities at the Port of Montreal continue in case of labor conflict.
No pressure tactics, strike or lockout can occur while the CIRB Essential Services process is ongoing.
The MEA is using all the solutions available to protect the supply chain and the Port of Montreal activities and competitivity, while maintaining a safe, secure, and fulfilling work environment for its employees.
The MEA’s objective is a negotiated collective agreement.
The federal bargaining process, as set out in part 1 of the Canada Labour Code, is shown here.