Despite what the Maritime Employers’ Association has been saying repeatedly, the MEA has not made itself available to negotiate with CUPE 375, the union representing Montreal Port longshore workers. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service convened a meeting between the parties on Thursday, October 3 at 10 am, but it had to be cancelled because the MEA refused to take part.
“What is this employer up to? It denounced the effect that a partial strike would have on the economy and the supply chain, but it is not even bothering to come to the bargaining table to find solutions. It’s mind-boggling,” said CUPE representative Michel Murray.
The employer’s refusal to come to the mediation is surprising to say the least, because it claimed in a press release that its priority was to get a negotiated collective agreement signed as soon as possible. Last Monday, the employer said it was awaiting an invitation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to resume talks.
CUPE 375 began a 72-hour strike to run from 7am on September 30 to 6:59 am on October 2nd, which would only affect the two Termont Montréal terminals. The union said it was willing to negotiate throughout the strike, which is not the case with the MEA.
“The employer attempted to have the partial strike called on Monday ruled illegal, a request that was turned down by the Canadian Labour Relations Board (CLRB). It has tried everything except get down to talks,” said Murray.
The Port of Montreal longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023.