The St. Lawrence Seaway could effectively shut down this weekend, with workers prepared to strike.
Unifor says their 256 members could walk off the job as of midnight Saturday following a 72-hour strike warning to the employer, with wages being the main concern.
“Employers have seen that workers will absolutely use their right to strike when they feel it’s necessary, and our members in all units at the Seaway have had enough,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It’s time to come to the table with a serious wage offer or the employer can watch what happens when workers stand together and demand their fair share.”
Unifor members at Locals 4211, 4212 and 4323 in Ontario and Locals 4319 and 4320 in Quebec have all delivered strong strike mandates. Members in the supervisory and engineering group of workers in Locals 4211 and 4319 rejected a tentative agreement on August 1, 2023 and have aligned their plans with the maintenance, operations and administrative unit that recently voted 99% to strike.
“This employer has shown no willingness to address the workers’ concerns in the workplace or approach them with a respectful wage offer,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. “A strike is always a tool of last resort when it comes to negotiations, but these workers have been clear and are united in their goals – they’re ready.”
The union says negotiations will continue through Thursday, with workers prepared to set up picket lines at 12:01am Sunday, October 22.
More than 200 million tonnes of cargo are transported through the shipping route every year.
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