Toronto, March 18, 2021
Due to the ongoing labour negotiations at the Port of Montreal, as of March 16, 2021, CN and CP Rail are no longer accepting reservations for the Toronto – Montreal corridor for ocean export containers. Both carriers have advised they will not begin receiving cargo until a resolution is reached.
In terms of the negotiations, on February 1st, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) filed a complaint to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), alleging that the union had not bargained in good faith, and a CIRB decision was rendered March 17th of no impasse.
The MEA said it acknowledges this decision and said it will follow with the recommendations emanating from the CIRB. At the same time, as mentioned in a previous memo from the Longshoremen's Union, MEA submitted a final offer of settlement last Friday, March 12th. The unionized workers will vote on Sunday, March 21st in a general assembly, during which the port will be closed.
In order to comply with the truce concluded with the Port of Montreal Longshoremen's Union, the Maritime Employers Association said it will not comment on the final offer that was made nor on the ongoing negotiations.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.