Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has proposed appointing a special mediator to help resolve the ongoing labour contract negotiations between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Montréal Longshoremen’s Union. The proposal includes a 90-day period during which both parties would resume negotiations without any pressure tactics.
The announcement followed a meeting held this afternoon in Montréal, attended by representatives from both the MEA and the union. “The Maritime Employers Association is committed to examining the proposal,” the MEA stated.
Both the MEA and the union are required to submit their responses to the Minister of Labour by Friday at 5 p.m.
The labour dispute has already led to significant disruptions at the Port of Montréal. A three-day strike initiated by the union on Sept. 30 halted activities at two terminals, and an unlimited overtime strike began on Oct. 10.
