Employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (CGVMSL) launched a strike on Sunday, causing paralysis of the St. Lawrence River.
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While a 72-hour strike notice was officially filed on Wednesday, negotiations between the two parties reached an impasse. So at 12:01 a.m., the approximately 360 employees represented by Unifor launched a strike preventing any commercial vessel from passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway.
“We negotiated in good faith until the last moment, but we cannot allow workers’ rights to be compromised. We remain open to discussion and hope that the employer will reconsider its position for the good of all,” underlined Daniel Cloutier, Quebec director of Unifor.
While the Corporation’s workers are demanding a better salary offer, the employer continues to insist that it is unable to offer them what they are asking for.
“The parties are at an impasse as UNIFOR continues to insist on wage increases inspired by auto industry-style negotiations, while the CGVMSL strives to find a fair and competitive labor agreement that reconciles the wage demands and market realities,” the Corporation said in a press release.
The President and CEO of the CGVMSL, Terence Bowles, wanted to emphasize the important issues of reaching an agreement quickly. Indeed, the closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway will have a significant economic impact if the situation does not change quickly.
“The stakes are high and we are determined to find a solution that serves the interests of the Corporation and its employees. We remain committed to continuing discussions and reaching a fair labor agreement. In this time of economic and geopolitical crisis, it is important that the Seaway remains a reliable transportation route for the efficient transportation of essential cargoes between North America and the rest of the world,” he said.