Port of Montreal Dockworkers to Refuse Overtime Amid Stalled Labor Negotiations

The Port of Montreal faces potential disruptions as longshore workers prepare to refuse overtime starting Thursday.

This labor action, announced by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 375, comes in response to stalled negotiations with the Maritime Employers Association.

“We’re willing to get down to intensive negotiations, but since the employer is dragging their feet, we’re turning up the pressure so that they put forth the energy needed to find a solution,” said CUPE union representative Michel Murray.

The union cites scheduling management and work-life balance as key issues in the negotiations.

The Port of Montreal’s longshore workers have been without a collective agreement since December 31, 2023. This latest action follows a partial three-day strike from October 1-3.

While port terminals will remain operational, the overtime refusal could lead to processing delays and containers .

In response, the Maritime Employers Association stated that employees assigned to incomplete shifts would not be paid, citing the significant impact on operations. They have formally requested the union to withdraw the pressure tactics and continue negotiations through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

As negotiations continue, both parties face the challenge of modernizing longshore work practices while addressing the concerns of workers and employers.