Port of Montreal longshore workers are slated to go on strike at 3 p.m. Thursday.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) said its longshore members will stage a 40-hour work stoppage set to conclude at 6:59 a.m. Saturday.
The strike affects union workers at two port terminals, Cast and Racine. Seventeen other terminals will be operational, according to Christine Beaulieu, community relations manager for the Montreal Port Authority.
“These pressure tactics exercised by the longshoremen’s union will last 40 hours,” Beaulieu said, adding that the port and its partners expect to resume normal operations as soon as 7 a.m. Saturday. “Efforts will be made to make up for the delays that will be caused by this exceptional situation.”
CUPE had been in negotiations with the Maritime Employers Association on behalf of its 1,125 longshore workers — heavy machinery operators, signalers, ship handlers, electricians and mechanics.
“The Montreal Port Authority is closely monitoring the situation and we hope that the employer of the longshoremen, the Maritime Employers Association, and the union will be able to come to an agreement quickly,” Beaulieu said.
CUPE had not responded to a request for comment by Wednesday afternoon.
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