by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reported yesterday that longshoremen at the Port of Montreal will stop working overtime for an unlimited period starting at 07:00 local time on Thursday, 10 October 2024.

“We are still bargaining with the help of two mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service assigned to the case. We’re willing to get down to intensive negotiations, but since the employer is dragging their feet, we’re turning up the pressure so that they put forth the energy needed to find a solution,” said CUPE union representative Michel Murray.

Last week, port workers went on strike for three days, affecting operations at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals.

The collective agreement governing the work of longshoremen at the port expired on 31 December 2023, nearly a year ago.

According to the union, negotiations have stalled over how the employer handles scheduling, among other issues.

In addition, employees are seeking a better balance between work and personal life.