Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Workers on the Brink of Going on Strike
Unifor, the Canada-based union representing over 350 St. Lawrence Seaway workers, is currently engaged in negotiations after giving a strike notice on Wednesday. If the extended talks fail, the workers are prepared to go on strike just after midnight on Sunday, October 22. The union’s Locals 4211, 4212, and 4323 in Ontario and Locals 4319 and 4320 in Quebec are involved in these negotiations.
According to union lead negotiator John Hockey, the talks have hit a major roadblock, remaining “1000 nautical miles apart on wages.” Despite this, Unifor is committed to reaching a collective agreement, while the employer, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), seems less willing to negotiate.
The union workers of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation play a crucial role in operating the 13 locks along the St. Lawrence Seaway, which is a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the upper Great Lakes. Despite the expiry of their contract on March 31, the workers have continued with their duties for this shipping season.
Unifor National President Lana Payne stated, “We are staring down a strike deadline and it’s time for St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation to get serious.” Negotiations between the union and the employer began in June, with additional dates in September. The union gave SLSMC a 72-hour notice of an impending strike on Wednesday.
SLSMC remains confident that a satisfactory resolution can be reached despite the union’s strong push. However, they have sent a notice to shipping companies outlining a shutdown plan for the Seaway. This plan includes cutoff times to avoid vessels getting stuck in the system. If the strike occurs, the United States, which operates 2 locks on the Seaway, would also be forced to shut down its operations.
Leaders and delegates from shipping companies, ports, and the Seaway system gathered for the annual Highway H2o Conference in Toronto, where the potential strike was a topic of discussion. Some talk of the Canadian government intervening to prevent a strike has circulated, although it remains unconfirmed.
The agriculture industry, particularly the grain industry, would be greatly impacted by the strike. John Taylor of Collwest Grain in Collingwood, Ontario expressed concern, stating, “We are in the middle of harvest and ship a lot of grain through the Port of Hamilton.”
The St. Lawrence Seaway plays a crucial role in the movement of cargo, with over 200 million tons of cargo traveling on the waterway annually. A strike would have significant implications for trade and transportation in the region.