Montreal Port Strike Ended by Government

Port officials said a prior settlement would have been preferable, but the decision will remove “operational and commercial uncertainty” related to labor relations between Canadian Union of Public Employees 375 and the MEA.

“This new turning point lets the Port of Montreal regain stability and the capability to fulfill its strategic role as a public service without long-term interruptions. This role is especially important while we are still in the middle of a pandemic,” said Martin Imbleau, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “Our priority now is to plan for the resumption of port operations and to ensure efficient and seamless service not only to local importers and exporters, but also to our ultimate client, the public, as quickly as possible.”

CUPE says Bill C-29 is unconstitutional and “infringes on fundamental rights protected by the Charter.” The union says it will challenge the decision in the courts.

“The Liberals haven’t just failed dockworkers in Montreal, they’ve failed all working people in Canada,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “Prime Minister Trudeau just sent a loud and clear message to every employer in the country: don’t bother bargaining in good faith with your workers, because if things get tough, we’ll be there to bail you out.”

Port officials said it will take a few days to return operations to normal and delays should be expected.