by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Over the weekend, the Montreal Longshoremen's Union rejected the final offer presented by the Maritime Employers Association (MEA).
According to local media, a union spokesperson said over 99% of members voted to reject the offer, which extends the indefinite strikes that started on 31 October.
As a result, the MEA announced that it "has no choice but to declare a lockout as of 9 p.m. (local time)" starting 10 November.
The Montreal Gateway Terminals revealed in an advisory that operations will be fully suspended for an indefinite period, including all truck and terminal activity, as well as rail and vessel operations.
Consequently, the Port of Montreal announced that all terminals, except Bickerdike and liquid bulk and grain terminals, will be closed until further notice.
"Access would be prohibited, and no rail, truck, or ship services would be provided," said the port.
Impact on operations in Montreal
Container carrier Maersk reported that the strikes impacted two of its ocean services.
The following is information from the carrier's latest update, published on 9 November:
On the CAE service, containership CMA CGM Paranagua is on its way to Canada and Montreal, but operators are evaluating possible import discharge in Halifax subject to terminal capacity.
Vessel Mombasa Express will remain docket at the port but will not be worked, while vessel Barcelona Express will omit Montreal and proceed to St John for import discharge.
Rail operations suspended
Rail freight remains impacted at this point after rail operations at Montreal Gateway Terminal (MGT) facilities were suspended on 5 November until further notice.
CN Rail has also suspended and removed all capacity at inland terminals for exports destined for Montreal's Racine terminals.
Maersk adds that CPKC Edmonton IMS and Vancouver IMS were closed to empty returns on Friday, 8 November. In addition, empties to Vancouver or Montreal will not be accepted until further notice.
Strikes continue in British Columbia after mediation fails
The negotiations deadlock in British Columbia exasperates the situation in Canada.
The meetings last week between the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) did not progress the negotiations.
In a press announcement, the BCMEA said that this concludes the mediation, "and no further meetings are scheduled."
The media reported that Canadians are "extremely frustrated" by the strikes, as both ports on the West Coast and 40% of capacity at the Port of Montreal are closed.
Over $800 million in daily trade is at stake in British Columbia as the strikes continue. The federal government has yet to intervene as both parties refuse to change their stances.
Agriculture, forestry, mining, manufacturing, retail, and importers of consumer goods have all suffered, according to a letter released Friday by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on behalf of 116 industry and trade groups.
Vessel pile up off Vancouver Port
The coastwide lockout, impacting all West Coast ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert, has delayed the arrival of several vessels.
As of 11 November, seaexoplorer data shows that boxships CMA CGM Orfeo, YM Plum, MOL Premium and MSC Sofia Paz are among the vessels currently waiting off Vancouver.
Over 10 vessels have estimated arrivals at the port this week. In the meantime, two vessels - San Felipe and YM Movement - show as waiting outside Prince Rupert.
