CUPE 375, the union representing Port of Montreal longshore workers, issued a strike notice this morning for workers at the Termont corporation terminals. Termont is targeted because it is the only company at the Port of Montreal to modify schedules in a punitive way. The local held a press conference today to provide an update on its tactics.
“Termont is provoking longshore workers and their local by using schedules that have negative impacts on work-life balance. If we reach a permanent agreement on this issue, we could avoid a strike set to begin on October 31. Let’s resolve the issues around work schedules, and then I am confident we can resolve the rest,” said Michel Murray, CUPE representative.
The strike would affect 15% of the total volume handled at the Port of Montreal — which is 40% of container traffic — and could be avoided if the Maritime Employers Association signs an agreement with the union about hours of work.
Yesterday, while carrying out a 24-hour strike, union members took part in an extraordinary general meeting, where they showed their support to the strike notice and voted in favour of a special contribution to provide financial support to the 320 workers affected by the partial strike.
“Longshore workers are ready to sit at the bargaining table. We are waiting to be invited and we have solutions in mind, but the other party must also be in solution mode,” said Michel Murray.
Longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023.