Port of Montreal Dockworkers’ Union Receives “Final” Offer, Threatens Lockout if Deal Isn’t Reached

The employers association at the Port of Montreal has issued the dockworkers’ union a “final, comprehensive offer,” threatening to lock out workers at 9 p.m. Sunday if a deal isn’t reached.

Offer Includes 3% Salary Increase per Year for Four Years

The employers association says the new offer includes a three per cent salary increase per year for four years and a 3.5 per cent increase for the two subsequent years. It says the offer would bring the total average compensation package of a longshore worker at the Port of Montreal to more than $200,000 per year at the end of the contract.

Union Disputes Offer, Says It Includes “Cosmetic Changes” Only

Michel Murray, with the union that represents nearly 1,200 longshore workers, said Friday the latest offer including little more than “cosmetic changes.”

Union Will Not Accept Offer, Demands 20% Increase Over Four Years

The union has said it will accept the same increases that were granted to its counterparts in Halifax or Vancouver — 20 per cent over four years. It is also concerned with scheduling and work-life balance.

Union and Employer Fail to Reach Agreement, Talks Stalled

On Friday morning, the union — Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal — and the Maritime Employers Association spent two hours with a federal mediator without making progress.

Federal Government Calls for Both Sides to Meet at the Negotiating Table

Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon issued a statement Thursday, prior to the lockout notice, in which he criticized the slow pace of talks at the ports in Montreal and British Columbia, where more than 700 unionized port workers have been locked out since Nov. 4.

Conclusion

The ongoing dispute at the Port of Montreal has had major impacts on the port’s operations, with only essential services and activities unrelated to longshoring continuing after 9 p.m. Sunday if a lockout occurs. The union and employer have failed to reach an agreement, and the federal government has called for both sides to meet at the negotiating table. As the deadline for a deal approaches, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached.

FAQs

* What is the issue at the Port of Montreal?
The union and employer are at odds over a new collective agreement, with the union demanding a 20% increase over four years and the employer offering a 3% salary increase per year for four years.
* What is the current situation at the port?
The port is operating with only essential services and activities unrelated to longshoring, and a lockout could occur if a deal is not reached by 9 p.m. Sunday.
* What is the federal government’s stance on the dispute?
The federal government has called for both sides to meet at the negotiating table and has criticized the slow pace of talks.