Canada, too, has its labor issues

The U.S. West Coast is not the only region now dealing with labor/management issues at its major seaports. Eastern Canada, too, has had its problems of late.

Cargo operations at the Port of Montreal has come to a standstill following an injunction by authorities to keep dockworkers off the job.  The dispute between the Maritime Employers Association and its longshore labor force has resulted in suspended freight car movement as well, and container terminals are completely shut down.

At issue, say labor analysts, is the new collective agreement for dockworker’s Job security and revenue guarantees for recent hires.

Meanwhile, the consequences of the struggle are having an immediate impact on all supply chain partners in Quebec. The Ports of Halifax and Norfolk, VA are handling some of the vessel calls, and one wonders if this will mean a shift in deployment strategies for carriers in the future.