With summer starting, I want to provide a brief status update on the situation at the MEA.
In Montréal, we are still in mediation with the Local 375 longshore workers union executive in pursuit of a negotiated collective agreement. With the decline in volumes coupled with skyrocketing operating costs, the MEA finds itself in a precarious financial situation. The union executive still does not have a strike mandate and no vote is planned for the time being. Our priority remains signing a negotiated collective agreement for the long term to restore stability and prosperity at the Port of Montréal.
Things are moving at Trois-Rivières and Bécancour! Whether it’s the work at the Port of Trois-Rivières or the bustle at Bécancour, we thank our members and employees for their collaboration in maintaining activities and ensuring the safety of all workers on site. This is the busy season because of the northern route departing from Bécancour. We appreciate everyone’s commitment to the success of these operations.
In Hamilton and Toronto, we want to acknowledge our port employees who have been able to diversify their skills because of the training received in the past year. This creates a more versatile and effective team. The summer will be busy and we are counting on all our members and employees to work together and ensure that everyone is safe.
Lastly, we held our annual general assembly on June 4 during which we filed our annual report, which describes all the accomplishments of all the MEA teams. I am proud of everything we have accomplished. Along with the management team, I commit to continue implementing best practices to ensure that operations continue despite a difficult financial situation.