Following recent strikes on the East Coast, Canada’s Port of Montreal is now facing an "indefinite overtime strike." Labor tensions are rising, with carriers seeking to increase transatlantic rates.
The dockworkers' union announced the strike, effective from 7 a.m. on October 10. A previous three-day strike had already halted operations at two terminals.
The Marine Employers Association (MEA) urged the union to withdraw the strike notice, calling it a "pressure tactic." They warned that halting overtime could disrupt operations and that striking employees would not be paid, escalating the labor dispute.
Michel Murray from the Canadian Public Employees Union stated the strike aims to pressure employers for a quick resolution. The MEA remains open to negotiations and urges adherence to federal mediation procedures.
Negotiations over the renewal of the dock workers' collective agreement have been ongoing for over a year due to pay and working condition disputes, adversely affecting the local economy and freight volume.
Additionally, shipping companies like MSK, CMA, and MSC are raising surcharges for transatlantic trade.
Maersk will implement a $2,000 peak season surcharge for shipments from Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean to Canada, effective October 23.
CMA CGM will start charging a $250 per TEU and $500 per FEU surcharge for goods moving from Northern Europe to Canada’s East Coast beginning October 15. Additionally, a further surcharge will apply from November 2.
MSC will raise their surcharges from November 1 for shipments from the Western Mediterranean and Adriatic to the U.S. and Canada, with specific rates set at $1,100 per TEU and $2,200 per FEU.