by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

In a recent update concerning the strikes at the Port of Montreal, Canada's Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has proposed a 90-day freeze on strikes and lockouts to facilitate contract talks.

According to the Montreal Gazette, the minister suggested appointing a special mediator to assist in contract negotiations. The plan includes a three-month period during which strikes and lockouts would be prohibited.

On Tuesday evening, MacKinnon announced on social media that both the union and management have until Friday night, 18 October, to accept or reject this offer.

The proposal comes in response to recent industrial action. Nearly 1,200 dockworkers launched an indefinite strike on overtime shifts last week, following a three-day strike at two container port terminals the previous week.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) has stated it will review the proposal, noting that the strikes have impacted its operations. The union, however, has yet to comment.

The port's industrial action has impacted the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for about 40% of the port's container traffic.