(Montreal) Unifor members working for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (CGVMSL) ratified, Thursday evening, the agreement in principle which was reached in mediation less than a week ago.
The union, which is affiliated with the FTQ in Quebec, announced that the new collective agreements spanning three years have been ratified by 85% in the maintenance, operations and office staff group, as well as 87% among supervisors and engineers.
“The ratification of these agreements in principle is a collective victory and the fruit of unwavering solidarity on the part of Seaway workers,” said the director of Unifor Quebec, Daniel Cloutier, in a press release.
The ratification follows a strike that took place from October 22 to 30, paralyzing transportation on the seaway from Montreal to Niagara. Unifor members voted 99% in favor of the strike, with pay being the main issue.
The agreement in principle concerns the approximately 360 workers who are members of five local sections of the Unifor union, in Quebec and Ontario.
Unifor has indicated that salaries will be increased annually by 5, 4 and 4%, retroactive to 1er April 2023, as well as a $2,000 signing bonus.
The union’s national president, Lana Payne, also congratulated members of the St. Lawrence Seaway on their new collective agreements.
“Unifor is committed to making this ratification the start of a better, more respectful workplace for our members,” she said.
The CGVMSL was also delighted with the news. “We particularly thank employees for their hard work and cooperation over the past few days to support the safe and efficient reopening of the Seaway to maritime traffic,” responded President and CEO Terence Bowles. communication channel.
Sailing resumed Monday morning and efforts were made to clear the backlog of waiting vessels. According to the CGVMSL, its traffic reopening plan had been fully implemented on Wednesday.
“Over the coming weeks, as we approach the end of the navigation season, the SLSMC will continue to take measures to maximize the movement of vessels carrying essential cargo along the Seaway,” the organization said. .