Toronto, December 6, 2023
The following message was issued by the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023:
The Port of Montreal issued an update on ongoing labour negotiations between the Port of Montreal Longshore Workers’ Union (CUPE Local 375) and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA). The port said:
“While the parties work with federal conciliation officers, the renewal process continues as provided for under the Canada Labour Code. Until the collective agreement expires on December 31, 2023, a number of steps regulated by the Canada Labour Code must be completed, and no party is permitted to disrupt Port of Montreal operations. Meanwhile, the MEA has applied to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for recognition of essential services at Port of Montreal terminals. The tribunal must decide whether it will consider the application prior to making a decision on this matter. Should the MEA’s application be granted, the deadlines for renewing the collective agreement would be suspended pending a decision on the merits of the case.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we have contacted each of the parties to emphasize the importance of this agreement to the various communities, businesses and users we serve. We have also filed an application for intervenor status in the MEA’s application for recognition of essential services. We assure you, port operations are in no way affected by the collective agreement renewal process at this stage.”
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
