Strikes and lockouts involving workers in Montreal and British Columbia, Canada’s largest ports, are expected to significantly reduce maritime cargo traffic into and out of the country.
Over 300 dockworkers at Montreal’s port have been on strike since last Thursday, while 900 CUPE members (the union representing Port of Montreal longshore workers) keep other operations running.
Montreal, Canada’s second-largest port, processes 40% of all East Coast container traffic.
On November 1, 2024, an indefinite strike began at the Port of Montreal’s Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, led by CUPE Local 375.
In response, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) announced it would suspend salary guarantees for non-working longshore workers starting November 5, 2024, citing financial strain due to repeated strikes and reduced port volumes.
The MEA had proposed accelerated negotiations with union support from a special mediator, but the Union rejected this offer and called the strike, affecting 40% of the port’s container traffic.
The MEA noted that the strike and refusal of overtime since October 10 have led to cargo redirection. Despite these disruptions, the MEA expressed its willingness to continue mediated negotiations with the Union.
What goods will be affected by the Port of Montreal strike?
The goods affected include temperature-controlled containers for food, pharmaceutical and medical products.
Meanwhile, the BC Maritime Employers Association recently announced a lockout of over 700 foremen responsible for cargo handling at Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports. This action will effectively close Canada’s West Coast docks—excluding grain terminals and cruise ships—for the second time in a year.
The lockout follows ILWU Local 514’s overtime ban and refusal to adopt technological changes, part of a “limited job action” after a 72-hour strike notice.
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