The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the union representing longshoremen at the Port of Montreal (i.e., CUPE) remain in confidential negotiations during its final days of a seven-month truce in effect until March 21, 2021. The following is the most recent available information:
- According to the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, the MEA tabled their final offer on Friday, March 12.
- On March 17, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board rendered a decision of no impasse regarding MEA allegations that the union was not bargaining in good faith.
- The union will send its final offer to members for review today, March 18.
- On March 21, the port will be closed from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET for a special meeting of members to discuss the final offer and vote.
Should the CUPE take labor actions, shippers should anticipate significant delays with some carriers diverting vessels to other ports. Last year’s twelve-day strike caused congestion and delays at the port that took several months to resolve; therefore, shippers should expect that each day of inactivity will increase delays exponentially.
Deringer will continue to provide updates concerning the labor negotiations at the Port of Montreal.