The port of Montreal faces a complete shutdown as terminal operators give their last-minute proposal to dock-workers. The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) set a strict deadline: if Local 375 Union dont accept the deal by sunday evening only basic services will continue
Currently two Termont terminals (making up about forty-percent of container flow) stay closed since last week due to the unionʼs walk-out. The shut-down affects around fifteen-percent of the ports total volume: this creates a bottle-neck for Canadian trade
The MEA put forward a six-year deal with a twenty-percent pay boost; the union says its reviewing the offer. Long-shore workers — who handle ship-to-shore cargo movement and dock operations — might face a complete lock-out if no agreement happens
The situation gets more complex because of whats happening out west: Vancouver port (Canadas biggest trade hub) stopped working earlier this week. While grain exports keep moving; forest products and canola-oil shipments face delays. The British Columbia port managers plan to meet with ILWU Local 514 representatives this weekend: federal mediators will join the talks
Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon points out both sides need to find common ground; he shows disappointment about slow progress at both locations (east and west coast ports)