The Canadian supply chain is already fragile. Negotiations to renew the longshoremen’s collective agreement have been going on for over a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The uncertainty caused by this long delay and the recurrence of labor disputes are affecting the Qu\u00e9bec and Canadian economies, and Canada’s reputation as a reliable and resilient trading partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A significant drop in cargo at the Port of Montr\u00e9al as a result of this uncertainty also poses serious financial challenges for the MEA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
March 19, 2025 – Since November 25th, the MEA and the Longshoremen’s Union have been engaged in a 90-day mediation process, which was supposed to end on February 14th. At the mediator\u2019s suggestion, both parties agreed to extend the process until March 14th. Since then, the parties and the mediator have continued discussions in an effort to find common ground, with the goal of reaching a negotiated collective agreement. The special mediator informed us today that he no longer saw any potential agreement between the two parties and has ended the mediation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end of mediation triggers the process of arbitration, to which both parties must submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n