Ocean Updates : Ports of Vancouver, Montreal
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Updates as of October 7, 2024
Shipments Resume as Three-Day Montreal Port Strike Ends, but Tensions Linger
The union representing Montreal dockworkers on Thursday ended a three-day strike at two terminals as scheduled, but the potential remains for more job action and jammed supply chains in the coming weeks.
The two sides have not met all week, with the union claiming that management refused a sit-down convened by federal mediators on Thursday.
The employers association, which represents shipping companies and terminal operators, said there was no meeting planned and its aim remains a collective agreement hammered out through negotiations.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service did not answer questions on whether a rendezvous had been scheduled or cancelled.
"At this time, we can confirm the mediators remain in contact with the parties and are continuing work to assist them in their negotiations," said spokeswoman Samuelle Carbonneau.
Read more in an Article from CTV News.
Updates as of October 4, 2024
Port of Montreal Update: Back to Business, Negotiations Resume
The partial strike affecting the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals was lifted on October 3 at 7 am, in accordance with the strike notice filed by the Longshoremen's Union CUPE, Local 375 on September 27.
As a result, all Port of Montreal terminals are now open, and cargo can be picked up or dropped off as usual.
There is an accumulation of containers on the ground or awaiting handling as a result of the three-day work stoppage. Clients waiting to import or export goods can expect delays in the coming weeks.
If you have questions, contact your Port representative or send a message to market@port-montreal.com.
In a posted update yesterday, the Maritime Employers Association said that the parties will meet on Friday morning for mediation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Read more update from Maritime Employers Association.
Updates as of October 3, 2024
Montreal update : MEA Negotiations Update
After a three-day strike, activities resume today at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals. The priority of the Maritime Employers Association remains a negotiated good-faith agreement.
In an online update, the MEA said: "Clearly, the current mediation process is no longer producing results. The mediation meeting on September 26 unfortunately led to the longshore workers’ Union filing a strike notice the next day. It should also be remembered that 66 days went by without any response from the Union after we submitted our offer this summer.
"We are currently evaluating all the options available to arrive at a sustainable solution that reflects the reality of the situation."
Read more update from Maritime Employers Association.
Updates as of October 2, 2024
Impacts Apparent After One Day of Three-Day Strike Action at Port of Montreal
The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has revealed the operational impacts of Day 1 (September 30) of the partial strike at the Port of Montreal.
While the ongoing work stoppage at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals is paralyzing 40% of total container handling capacity, MPA is seeing an accumulation of containers on the ground, including temperature-controlled containers for food, pharmaceutical and medical products. In addition, goods scheduled to transit through the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals are being held up at forwarding agents, and five container ships due to arrive at the Port of Montreal in the next few days have been delayed.
Read more in an article from Port Montreal.
Updates as of October 1, 2024
Port of Vancouver Update, September 28 – Tentative Agreement with Grain Workers Union
On September 27, the Grain Workers Union Local 333 ILWU (GWU) and the Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association (VTEA) negotiated a tentative agreement. A ratification vote on the terms of the memorandum of settlement will be conducted with GWU membership on October 4.
Resumption of work activities at the six impacted grain terminals (Alliance Grain Terminal (AGT), Cargill Terminal, Cascadia, G3 Terminal, Pacific Elevators, Richardson International) commenced at 07:00 PT on Saturday.
The Port of Vancouver remains open and operational, and regular operations are in effect for all terminals.
Anchorage demand continues to be high and nearing capacity. Anchorage assignments are made to ensure fluidity across all ship types and essential services.
Written by : CIFFA
Work Stoppage Ongoing at Port of Montreal’s Viau and Maisonneuve Terminals
In line with the strike notice filed by the Longshoremen's Union – CUPE Local 375, a partial strike affecting the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals began on Monday, September 30, at 7:00 am, and will continue until Thursday, October 3, at 6:59 am.
As a result, those two Termont-operated terminals are currently closed. Access to the terminals is prohibited, and no rail, ship or truck services are provided.
All other Port of Montreal terminals remain in service.
The Montreal Port Authority continues to hope that the parties will reach an agreement as soon as possible, since any delay not only entails costs for companies using port services, but also puts $90.7 million in economic activity at risk for each day of interruption.
Read more update from Port Montreal.
Updates as of September 27, 2024
Port of Vancouver Operations Update – September 25
Strike action by the Grain Workers Union Local 333 ILWU (GWU) against Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association (VTEA) is ongoing, impacting Port of Vancouver bulk grain operations. The six impacted bulk grain terminals are all in Burrard Inlet: Alliance Grain Terminal (AGT), Cargill Terminal, Cascadia, G3 Terminal, Pacific Elevators and Richardson International.
The Port of Vancouver remains open and operational, and regular operations are in effect for all terminals not directly affected by the GWU labour action.
Port of Montreal longshoremen file 72-hour strike notice
The longshoremen's union at the Port of Montreal has issued a 72-hour strike notice, effective this morning at 07:00 EST. As a result, Termont terminals will be closed from Monday, September 30th, to Thursday, October 3rd.
In preparation for this strike, CN will stop accepting export traffic to TERMONT and VIAU terminals from Sunday, September 29th, through Tuesday, October 1st. We are working closely with stakeholders and will provide updates as the situation evolves.
Written by: CN
Two cargo terminals at the Port of Montreal could find themselves paralyzed next week if the Syndicat des débardeurs follows through on a 72-hour strike notice it filed Friday morning.
In a statement, the longshoremen’s union said it filed notice of the strike at 7 am Friday, which would allow the membership to walk off the job as of 7 am Monday.
Should the strike occur, it would last until 6:59 am Thursday. The union said the strike would take place at two terminals operated by Termont Montréal.
Read more in an article from The Gazette.
Montreal Dockworkers Approve Strike Mandate
Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal have approved a strike mandate after more than a year of contract negotiations. Longshore workers voted 97.9 percent in favour of granting their union executive the authority to call a strike if it chooses.
The union local, affiliated with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, would need to issue a 72-hour notice before its nearly 1,200 members could walk off the job.
The parties remain in mediation, and the Maritime Employers Association says it hopes to hash out a deal at the table in the coming days.
Read more in an article from The Globe and Mail.
Port of Vancouver Update
Grain Workers Union Local 333 ILWU served 72-hour strike notice to the Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association (VTEA) on the weekend, with possible strike action impacting Port of Vancouver bulk grain operations starting 0700 PT today, September 24.
The strike would impact six terminals at the port: Alliance Grain Terminal (AGT), Cargill Terminal, Cascadia, G3 Terminal, Pacific Elevators and Richardson International. The strike action is not expected to affect other grain handling terminals at this time, including Fraser Grain Terminal (FGT).
All anchorage vessel class assignments remain fluid; however, vessel delays and heightened anchorage demand are expected at the port if there is an ongoing disruption to bulk grain exports.
Port of Montreal Update: Labour Negotiations
While the Maritime Employers Association and the Longshoremen’s Union CUPE Local 375 are still in mediation, supported by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the union will hold a strike vote on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25.
No pressure tactics can be exercised before a 72-hour notice is given to the Minister of #Labour. A strike mandate is valid for 60 days.
Written by : CIFFA
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