The St. Lawrence Seaway was open again on Monday, Oct. 30, after Unifor, Canada’s largest union, ended its week-long strike (GM Oct. 27, p. 1). The union reached a tentative agreement with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. (SLSMS) after the government required mediated negotiations on Oct. 27. The union had gone on strike Oct. 22. Membership is expected to ratify the deal in coming days.
“For the first time in 55 years, Seaway workers took the very hard decision to go on strike,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “They did so to fight for a more respectful workplace and for an agreement that reflects today’s economic times. They have shown that the best deal is reached at the bargaining table, and I congratulate the committee on their outstanding work on behalf of their members.”
The tentative agreement covers some 360 members at Locals 4211, 4212, and 4323 in Ontario and Locals 4319 and 4320 in Quebec, who work in the supervisory and engineering group and the maintenance, operations, and clerical group.
“We have in hand an agreement that’s fair for workers and secures a strong and stable future for the Seaway,” said SLSMC President and CEO Terence Bowles. “We know that this strike has not been easy for anyone, and value the patience and cooperation of our marine industry binational partners; carriers, shippers, ports, local communities and all those who depend on this vital transportation corridor on both sides of the Canada-US border.”