The St. Lawrence Shipoperators Calls for Urgent Resolution Amid Port of Montreal Strike Announcement

Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2024

The St. Lawrence Shipoperators Calls for Urgent Resolution Amid Port of Montreal Strike Announcement

Montreal, QC – The St. Lawrence Shipoperators (SLS), representing domestic shipowners operating across the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and the Canadian Arctic, expresses deep concern over the impending strike announced by the Port of Montreal Longshoremen’s Union. The three-day strike, set to occur from September 30 to October 3 at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals, threatens to significantly disrupt maritime operations and the essential supply chains that millions of Canadians rely on.

While we recognize the right to collective bargaining and the importance of fair labor negotiations, SLS calls on both the Maritime Employer’s Association (MEA) and the union to prioritize finding an immediate and sustainable resolution to avoid further disruptions. The Port of Montreal is a critical gateway for goods, with over 80% of everyday products entering Canadian homes passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway. Any prolonged interruption could have a ripple effect across the country, severely impacting businesses, communities, and key industries, particularly in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

SLS Director General, Saul Polo emphasized, “The maritime transport sector is vital to the Canadian economy and its supply chain. Our members are deeply concerned about the potential consequences this strike could have on the flow of goods. We strongly urge all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue to reach a lasting agreement that safeguards the continuity of services at the port."

While other terminals at the Port of Montreal will remain operational during the strike, the targeted closures at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals will still create considerable logistical challenges for shipowners, who rely on the efficient movement of goods through these key container facilities. Any further delays could also impact industries across sectors, from manufacturing to agriculture, that depend on maritime transport to keep their operations running smoothly.

SLS continues to stand by its commitment to supporting growth and stability within Canada’s maritime sector, working closely with government bodies and industry partners to ensure that maritime transport remains a reliable and resilient pillar of the national supply chain. We strongly hope that both parties can swiftly come to a resolution that minimizes disruption and ensures the Port of Montreal continues to serve as a critical hub for trade and commerce.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Louis-Alexandre Lanthier
Phone: 343-575-0760
Email: info@asl-sls.org

About St. Lawrence Shipeoperators

SLS is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of domestic shipowners, supporting their growth, and ensuring the sustainable development of maritime transport on the St. Lawrence River. With over 130 vessels under the Canadian flag and operations across the St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Atlantic coast, and Arctic regions, ASL’s members generate close to 27,000 jobs and play a critical role in the Canadian economy.

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