St. Lawrence Seaway workers begin strike action, union says

Shortly after midnight on Monday, the union announced that they had not reached an agreement with the employer before the strike deadline, despite negotiations that continued "up to the last moment." Daniel Cloutier, the director of Unifor Quebec, stated in a press release, "We cannot allow workers' rights to be compromised. We remain open to continued discussions and hope the employer reconsiders its position for the benefit of all."
The union had emphasized throughout the week that they remained "1,000 nautical miles apart" from the management on wage issues, which was the central sticking point in the negotiations. Cloutier had previously stated, "These are jobs that require intensive training, a high level of understanding of health and safety risks, and carry significant responsibility for the well-being of seafarers and their cargo. They are irreplaceable."
In a press release issued just after midnight, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) explained that both sides were at an impasse because Unifor "continues to insist on wage increases inspired by automotive-type negotiations," and the seaway would remain closed until an agreement could be reached. Terence Bowles, the president and CEO of SLSMC, stated, "The stakes are high, and we are fully committed to finding a resolution that serves the interests of the corporation and its employees."
SLSMC had stated on Friday that they remained committed to negotiating in good faith but expressed concerns about the slow progress in the talks and the union's wage demands potentially leading to higher tolls.
On Wednesday, the corporation had highlighted the potential impact on freight shipments as a major concern. Spokesperson Jean Aubry-Morin noted, "Cargo movements through the seaway are a vital part of the North American economy and supply chain. In particular, this labor action would affect grain movements during a period when the world is in dire need of this essential commodity, even as its supply has been affected by the situation in Ukraine and the increased frequency of extreme weather events around the world."
The corporation is currently awaiting a response to their application to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, seeking an order to confirm the application of the Canada Labour Code related to the movement of grain during a strike.

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