Hello everyone,
Time flies, let’s take a moment to celebrate our achievements over the summer. We were able to transport essential equipment and materials for several Québec companies and an impressive volume of different goods for Northern Québec thanks to the contribution of all employees and our members in Trois-Rivières and Bécancour. We emptied and loaded over 700 cargo ships at the Port of Montréal. We also facilitated the boarding and disembarkment of passengers from more than 30 cruise ships who then went on to explore the charms of the city. Hamilton welcomed 151 vessels since the seaway reopened, while 47 vessels docked in Toronto between March and the end of the summer.
We also used the summer to build up the skills of a number of machine operators in each of the ports served. What’s more, in Montréal, 60 crane operators completed their training on a new technology used on cranes from Empire, a division of QSL. A new simulator was used to train 23 employees in Hamilton this summer.
Our association is proud to have been able to provide qualified employees to all its members during this period. I want to thank everyone for their valuable contribution.
Situation in Montréal
I want to assure you that the entire MEA team is working to find new approaches to enter into productive discussions with our union partner, while keeping the organization afloat. We have already been affected by a drop in volume at the Port of Montréal for a few months, which forced us to make some budget cuts in the organization. We are regularly reviewing our financial situation considering work stoppages and fringe benefits.
I thank all members for their understanding and support in this situation. I want to highlight the efforts of our various finance and operations teams who are working every day to find creative ways to respond to market requirements.