On Wednesday, July 17, the union representing Port of Quebec longshore workers sounded a siren 22 times from the Beauport picket line at noon sharp to commemorate the lockout now in its 22nd month.
“The 22 siren blasts represent a heartfelt plea from our members, who were tossed out in the street by an employer intent on imposing mandatory overtime to the benefit of private mining companies where the lives of workers are not an issue,” said union president Stéphan Arsenault.
“In recent days, we have experienced every imaginable difficulty relating to this endless labour conflict. In late June 2024, we received confirmation from the employer at the bargaining table that the unreasonable work schedule imposed on us still stands. On Sunday, July 14, an enraged trucker, in yet another case of road rage, plowed into the picket line. Last June 28, a crane operated by a replacement worker struck the crane of the Federal Sutton, a major work accident that cost between $5 and $8 million dollars. Even at that, some claim that operations at the Port of Quebec are continuing as usual,” said union representative Nina Laflamme.
“This notwithstanding, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec was intent on buying shares in QSL international. “It hasn’t yet occurred to the Caisse that the QSL is the major player behind this endless saga involving the longshore workers. QSL controls the Société des arrimeurs de Québec, which locked out the workers. When QSL will face fines for irregularities in this conflict or something else, CDPQ investors will be on the hook. It’s unacceptable and quite worrisome.” The Caisse must rein in its new player without further delay,” said Laflamme.
Port of Quebec longshore workers have been locked out since September 15, 2022.