A strike with no time limit will aggravate the impact already hitting the Port of Montreal, which is the driving force behind an ecosystem of 6,200 transport businesses and the source of 19,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.
"This indefinite work stoppage would result in the suspension of berthage services normally provided by longshoremen longshorewomen and the handling of goods in the Port of Montreal terminals as of August 10 at 7 a.m.," the Port of Montreal said in a statement.
"Not affected by this situation are: liquid bulk handling, the Oceanex service (Bickerdike Terminal) and the grain terminal (Viterra). The Montreal Port Authority invites clients to contact or consult the websites of operators such as Termont (Viau and Maisonneuve) and MGTP (Cast and Racine) to learn the latest on the situation.   
"The Montreal Port Authority deplores this indefinite strike notice, as Port activities are essential to keep the economy running and, in this period of global pandemic, to ensure public health and safety.
"A prolonged stoppage or slowdown in port operations has major repercussions on our partners, clients and, ultimately, the economy of Quebec and Canada. Logistics supply chains must be maintained in the interest of businesses and citizens who benefit from the transit of goods.
"Consequently, we look forward for the workers’ employer, the MEA, and the Union to be able to reach an agreement quickly," said the Port of Montreal.
With delays lasting several months for all port operations and Greater Montreal’s supply chain, which serves Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. Midwest, the work stoppages, past and future, more specifically cause the following effects:
- Create long delays in handling goods for Canadian companies, especially exporters (as of August 10, no handling of containerized goods and dry bulk, except for the Oceanex service and grain);
- Oblige many export companies to lease warehouses or choose a different supply chain, if they are unable to move their goods internationally out of the Port of Montreal;
- Force international shipping lines to reroute certain vessels, sometimes to competing U.S. ports, resulting in higher costs for businesses and, ultimately, consumers. ■