Port of Montreal dockworkers facing lockout Sunday night

The Clock is Ticking on Port of Montreal Workers’ Union Negotiations

The Port of Montreal is facing a looming threat as the employers’ association has given a deadline to lock out 1,200 dockworkers if a deal is not reached on what they are calling a final offer. The deadline for the lockout is set for 9 p.m. on Sunday, and only essential services unrelated to dockworkers will continue at the port after this time.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is currently conducting a vote on the latest offer until 6 p.m. today, with the results expected to be released soon. The employer’s new offer includes a three per cent salary increase per year for the next four years, followed by a 3.5 per cent increase for the two subsequent years.

If accepted, these increases would bring the total average compensation for a longshore worker at the Port of Montreal to over $200,000 per year by the end of the contract. However, a union official has criticized the offer, stating that it only includes “cosmetic changes” and fails to address crucial issues surrounding scheduling.

The dockworkers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023, leading to increasing tensions and uncertainty among both workers and employers. The negotiations are crucial for the future operations and stability of the port, as any disruption could have significant economic implications.

As the clock continues to tick on the deadline for a potential lockout, both parties must work towards finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of the workers while ensuring the continued efficiency and success of the Port of Montreal.