Last chance at the Port of Montreal as parties enter mediation [Video]

A final attempt to reach a consensual settlement is taking shape at the Port of Montreal, as the union of 1,200 longshoremen and the Maritime Employers Association have decided to enter into consensual mediation.

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon called for binding arbitration on Nov. 12 to end the labour dispute.

The dispute involved a lockout by the employer, a partial strike by 320 longshoremen at two Termont terminals, and a refusal by the longshoremen to work overtime.

On Nov. 14, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled that it did not have the power to refuse to implement the Minister’s instructions. That power rests with the Federal Court. It therefore ordered the resumption of activities at the port, as directed by the Minister.

He also extended the term of the collective agreement, which expired on Dec. 31, 2023.

Since then, work has indeed resumed at the Port of Montreal …