Immediate Threat Of Strike Action At Montreal Port

With the threat of a US port strike very much on the horizon this week, we have now learned that Montreal Port could be the latest to be impacted by industrial action.

Canada’s Maritime Employers’ Association (MEA) have confirmed that dockworkers have called a strike at Montreal, which will likely see two terminals closed for three days from 7am today (Monday, 30th September).

The Viau and Maisonneuve terminals account for around 41% of Montreal's traffic and are both likely to be closed during the strike period, resulting in an operational slowdown for the port.

The timing of the strike seems to be strategic, as it coincides almost perfectly with the upcoming port strike on the US East and Gulf Coast ports, which is currently due to commence 1st October.

Montreal would have been one of very few ports operational on the eastern side of North America should the US strike go ahead. However, this latest threat of a walkout will be a big hindrance to importers and exporters planning to use Canada to circumnavigate the US labour dispute.

The team at Croft Cargo are monitoring all developments closely.

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