Following the recent partial strike and an indefinite general strike at the Port of Montreal, workers are back on the job, and operations have resumed this weekend after the Senate passed Bill C-29 on Friday evening.  Although all terminals will be open and in service, it will take several days for the operations and smooth flow of goods to take place, and importers and exporters should expect delays.

The process established by the legislation will lead to instituting a new collective agreement between the dockworkers’ union CUPE Local 375 and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), and there will be no possibility of work stoppages.

“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 Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority.

Every day, about $275 million worth of goods move through the Port of Montreal.  According to Imbleau, “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.”

Deringer will continue to provide information regarding the Port of Montreal as the situation develops.  If you have questions about the delays impacting your goods, please contact the Deringer service center managing your account.