The Canadian supply chain is already fragile. Negotiations to renew the longshoremen’s collective agreement have been going on for over a year.
The uncertainty caused by this long delay and the recurrence of labor disputes are affecting the Québec and Canadian economies, and Canada’s reputation as a reliable and resilient trading partner.
A significant drop in cargo at the Port of Montréal as a result of this uncertainty also poses serious financial challenges for the MEA.
***Latest news***
November 25, 2024 – Following the Canada Industrial Relations Board’s decision on November 14, the Port of Montréal Longshoremen’s Union (CUPE 375) and the Maritime Employers Association agreed, by consensus, to enter into a mediation process for a period of 90 days.
The parties agreed to retain the services of Gilles Charland, an experienced mediator with a good knowledge of the industry. The parties have also agreed not to make any public statements in connection with the ongoing mediation process.
Subscribe to our All Aboard! publication and receive updates directly
"*" indicates required fields
Timeline
This calendar tracks the long process that began over 13 months ago, from the notice to bargain received September 1, 2023 up until now.
MEA Responsabilities
The MEA is mandated with offering competitive working conditions to longshore workers and checkers, recruiting and training them. It also advises terminal operators on health and safety issues in the workplace.
It ensures the daily dispatch of port workers to offer optimal vessel transshipment service in the ports of Montréal, Contrecœur, Trois-Rivières, Bécancour, Hamilton and Toronto—essential links in the Canadian supply chain.
The MEA was created by patent letters in 1969, which designated it as employers representative in collective agreement negotiations and application.
When it is time to renew a collective agreement, the MEA, represented by a negotiations committee, receives a negotiation mandate, which consists in guidelines from its board of directors.
The Longshoremen’s Union, Local 375, CUPE, represents longshoremen working at the Port of Montréal. The Longshoremen’s Union is represented in the collective agreement renewal negotiations by a union consultant employed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
To find out more, visit the About us section of our website.