
16 Oct Federal Labour Minister Proposes Special Mediator in Montreal Port Labor Dispute
On October 15th, a key meeting took place with the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s Minister of Labour, regarding the ongoing labor dispute between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union. Both parties were present for discussions aimed at advancing negotiations.
During the meeting, Minister MacKinnon proposed appointing a special mediator to facilitate the resumption of negotiations without any pressure tactics from either side for a 90-day period. The MEA has committed to considering the proposal.
This follows a three-day strike initiated by the union on September 30, which disrupted operations at two terminals of the Port of Montreal, and the start of an indefinite overtime strike on October 10.
Both the MEA and the Union are required to submit their formal responses to the Minister by Friday at 5:00 p.m.