The 2020 Port of Montreal strike began at 7:00 AM on August 10, 2020 after Local 375 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal) walked off the jobsite. The local had previously voted for an indefinite strike. The strike is part of a dispute dating back to 2018, when the union and management were unable to negotiate a new contract. The strike is primarily about shift work and creating a healthy work-life balance for the longshore and maintenance workers who are required to work 19 days in a row before having two off.[1]
Background
The Port of Montreal is Canada's second busiest port of entry with approximately $100 billion worth of goods passing through the port each year. Approximately 1,125 workers are part of CUPE local 375. Working without a contract, CUPE members participated in a series of daytime walkouts during the summer of 2020. On July 27, CUPE launched a four-day protest strike.[2] In response, management rerouted ships to other ports. In response to this action, CUPE members voted in favor of an indefinite strike.[1] On August 4, 99.22% of eligible workers voted in favour of a strike.[3]
Strike
Shortly after the strike began, the governments of François Legault (Quebec premier) and Doug Ford (Ontario premier), asked for the federal government to intervene to force the strikers back to work. This request was denied, with Labour Minister Filomena Tassi writing that "Our government has faith in the collective bargaining process, as we know the best deals are made at the table."[4] The Mining Association of Canada called the decision not to intervene "incomprehensible."[5] Tensions were heightened during the finals days of the strike after the Maritime Employers Association announced its intention to hire scabs to unload the sitting containers. However, A truce was agreed upon on August 21 which allowed the port to reopen two days later. The two sides agreed to resume contract talks and the union pledged to continue working without a labour stoppage for the next seven months after which time the union would resume its right to strike.[6]
