Negotiations at the Port of Montreal resumed this week between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). As you may recall, the Port of Montreal underwent a 12-day labor strike in August 2020, shutting down terminals and forcing shipments to reroute. That labor strike ended with a 7-month truce between the labor union and employer’s association.

The truce between the negotiating parties is set to expire on March 21, 2021, and there are renewed fears of an impending shut down. Talks resumed between the negotiating parties this week, and both parties have been ordered to a mediation session starting on March 5 in the hopes of bringing an end to the labor dispute.

Any labor stoppage at the port will have immediate impact on our ability to move cargo through the Port of Montreal, and could result in a complete shutdown of operations. Alternate routings to/from New York are available and may need to be considered as an option.

Trans-Border will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as needed. If you have any questions, please reach out to at info@tbgfs.com or (800) 493-9444.