Strike Shuts Down Two Port of Montreal Terminals

On Thursday, the Port of Montreal announced than an indefinite strike has begun at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, in accordance with the strike notice filed by CUPE Local 375, the longshore workers’ union.

The action coincides with the ongoing overtime strike launched two weeks ago, which has already caused a backlog of containers on site (including hundreds of refrigerated containers carrying medical, pharmaceutical, and food products), as well as a loss of productivity, leading to the cancellation of several outbound train convoys.

The Termont-operated Viau and Maisonneuve terminals are closed, and no rail, truck, or ship services will be provided. With 40% of total container handling capacity paralyzed by this work stoppage, and ships and trains already obliged to choose other routes, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) expressed deep concern about the negative repercussions of the work stoppage.

The ongoing stoppage is paralyzing 40% of total container handling capacity at a crucial time when goods, especially those for the holiday season, are currently expected at the Port of Montreal. Of the five container ships with a total combined capacity of 18,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) heading to Montreal, including containers of critical goods (medical and pharmaceutical products), some have already turned back to other ports due to what is happening at this time. Of the 26 container ships scheduled to call at the Viau or Maisonneuve terminals over the next three weeks, it is likely that many other vessels could also change their port of destination.

In a statement, the Port of Montreal said:

“Our mobilized teams at the Port of Montreal teams are fully engaged in a business continuity operation intended to mitigate the operational, reputational, and economic impacts of this strike. Our main objective is to prevent any disruption to other port activities and avoid a domino effect that could affect importers, exporters, and the public.”