Toronto, October 3, 2024
The following message was issued by the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) on Thursday, October 3, 2024:
North American Port Status Update
Canadian Port Status Update
MEA Negotiations Update
After a three-day strike by the Longshoremen’s Union – CUPE Local 375 at the Port of Montreal Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, activities have resumed today. The priority of the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) remains a negotiated good-faith agreement. In an online update, the MEA said: “Clearly, the current mediation process is no longer producing results. The mediation meeting on September 26 unfortunately led to the longshore workers’ Union filing a strike notice the next day. It should also be remembered that 66 days went by without any response from the Union after we submitted our offer this summer. “We are currently evaluating all the options available to arrive at a sustainable solution that reflects the reality of the situation.”
Updates are available here.
U.S. Port Status Update
Box Lines Declare Force Majeure as White House Defends ILA
Shipping lines are beginning to declare force majeure, as the U.S. East and Gulf Coast port strike continues. Any hope from employer association USMX that the government might intervene to halt the economically damaging strike was dashed when the White House landed firmly on the side of the union. The administration also warned carriers against ‘price-gouging.’ A statement from President Biden urged both sides to restart collective bargaining, saying “the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve.”
He added: “I have urged USMX, which represents a group of foreign-owned carriers, to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) that ensures they are paid appropriately in line with their invaluable contributions. “Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic and, in some cases, in excess of 800% compared with their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates. “It’s only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.”
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.
For more information, please call David Lychek, Director – Ocean & Air Services at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207.
