by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The Port of Montreal Longshoremen’s Union (CUPE 375) and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) have agreed to enter a 90-day mediation process.

In a statement published on 25 November, the MEA reported that the parties agreed to appoint an experienced mediator with a good knowledge of the industry.

The MEA further announced that both parties have agreed to refrain from making public statements during mediation.

This decision aims to resolve ongoing disputes and end the disruptions while avoiding government intervention.

If the mediation succeeds, the MEA and CUPE Local 375 could finally reach a new collective bargaining agreement for 1,300 longshore workers.

Despite the mediation efforts, the outcome remains uncertain, analysts claim. According to the Journal of Commerce, the MEA has participated in 35 mediation meetings with Local 375 since mid-2023 without reaching a resolution.

In the meantime, no progress was reported concerning negotiations between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association and workers on the Canadian West Coast.

While operations resumed in mid-November, vessel handling at the ports of Montreal, Vancouver, and Prince Rupert still faces extended delays.

Danish carrier Maersk has also reported that railroad operations resumed on import and export, prioritising clearing out the impacted backlog.