Container cargo traffic at terminals on the West Coast has faced a significant standstill since last week, with operations coming to a complete halt due to escalating labor disputes involving more than 700 longshore supervisors that led to an employer-imposed lockout.
In a contentious response, three unions have taken a stand against the federal government’s recent interventions in major labor disputes, arguing that these actions undermine fundamental workers’ rights and set a concerning precedent for future negotiations.
The union representing the locked-out dock workers in Montreal has emerged as the latest to announce legal action against Ottawa’s intervention, following closely behind the union advocating for locked-out workers in British Columbia, highlighting a growing movement of resistance among labor groups across Canada.
“We will fight this order in the courts. We will fight the arbitrated forced contract in the courts,” declared Frank Morena, the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514, which advocates for the dock workers in B.C., asserting the union’s commitment to protecting their members’ rights in a press release issued on Tuesday.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stepped in on Tuesday to facilitate the resumption of operations at ports in British Columbia and Montreal after a series of employer-led lockouts. He directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to mandate that operations resume and to shift ongoing negotiations into binding arbitration.
In Montreal, the Maritime Employers Association initiated a lockout of 1,200 longshore workers on Sunday night, following the workers’ rejection of what the employers categorized as a final contract offer, reflecting ongoing tensions between labor and management.
“Negotiated agreements are the best way forward, but we must not allow other Canadians to suffer when certain parties do not fulfil their responsibility to reach an agreement,” MacKinnon emphasized in a statement on Tuesday, underscoring the government’s intent to mitigate economic fallout from the disruptions.
He further explained that he did not take the decision to intervene lightly but felt compelled to act due to the severe economic risks associated with the labor stoppages which were affecting supply chains nationwide.
“It is my duty and responsibility to act in the interest of businesses, workers, farmers, families and all Canadians,” he stressed, conveying his commitment to uphold the economic welfare of the nation amidst labor disputes.
The mechanism employed by the minister—utilizing Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code—mirrors the approach taken in August when Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. locked out over 9,000 workers, halting railway operations across the nation, raising alarms among labor advocates about the implications of such government interventions.
Labour experts expressed concern at the time, indicating that the government’s actions seemed to circumvent traditional parliamentary debate and legislation, with Brock University labour professor Larry Savage describing the situation as “highly controversial.”
This situation prompted a legal challenge from Teamsters Canada, illustrating the escalating tensions between labor unions and the government as they vie for control over the resolution of disputes.
Now, the unions representing the dock workers in both Montreal and B.C. are poised to mount a legal challenge against the minister’s recent intervention, signaling a sustained effort to defend their members’ rights and negotiate their terms at the bargaining table.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Morena characterized the government’s decision as an affront to the union and an erosion of workers’ bargaining rights, denouncing the lack of respect for collective negotiation processes.
In the context of the port and rail disputes, business groups have increasingly called on the government to take decisive action as the ongoing work stoppages have severely disrupted supply chains across Canada, leading to widespread economic implications.
On Tuesday, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade president Bridgitte Anderson stated that an estimated $6.1 billion in trade had been disrupted at the B.C. ports, highlighting the extensive economic ramifications of the labor disputes in the region.
“The economic toll of the fourth major disruption to our supply chains has been severe,” she lamented, indicating the deepening crisis impacting businesses and consumers alike.
Unions and labor groups have overwhelmingly condemned the government’s recent interventions, viewing them as detrimental to the advancement of workers’ rights.
“Unions will fight this to the end,” asserted Teamsters Canada national president François Laporte in a fervent statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the resolve of labor organizations to oppose government overreach.
On Tuesday, McGill University sociology professor Barry Eidlin commented that the government’s decision to intervene dismantles the incentives for employers to negotiate effectively at the bargaining table, raising questions about the long-term consequences for labor relations in Canada.
“The aim of the lockout was not to pressure the workers; it was to pressure the government to intervene,” he noted, suggesting a strategic shift in labor tactics amid the ongoing struggle for fair working conditions.
This summer, a significant strike by different B.C. port workers lasted an arduous 13 days, during which the government refrained from intervening under Section 107. Earlier this year, they announced an inquiry into that strike as a preventive measure to avert further major economic disruptions.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.
Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press
I had the opportunity to speak with Frank Morena, President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514, who shared insights regarding the current labor disputes affecting cargo traffic at West Coast terminals and the government’s recent intervention. Here’s our discussion:
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Frank. Can you describe the situation regarding the lockout of the longshore supervisors and the current state of operations at the ports?
**Frank Morena:** Thank you for having me. The situation is dire. Since last week, operations at our terminals have completely halted due to an employer-imposed lockout targeting over 700 longshore supervisors. It’s a standstill that has serious implications for cargo traffic on the West Coast.
**Editor:** We’ve seen a strong response from labor unions against the federal government’s intervention. What are your main concerns regarding their actions?
**Frank Morena:** Our primary concern is that the government’s intervention undermines our fundamental workers’ rights to negotiate. When they impose arbitration and dictate terms, it strips us of the ability to advocate for our members properly. It sets a worrisome precedent that could impact future negotiations, not just for us but across the entire labor landscape in Canada.
**Editor:** You mentioned legal action against the government’s recent moves. Can you elaborate on that?
**Frank Morena:** Absolutely. Our union, along with others in Montreal and British Columbia, is prepared to fight this intervention in court. We believe in negotiated agreements being the best way to resolve disputes, and we’re determined to protect our right to collective bargaining. The government’s decision to bypass this process is unacceptable, and we will challenge this in the courts to defend our members’ rights.
**Editor:** Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that his actions are aimed at mitigating economic fallout. How do you respond to that justification?
**Frank Morena:** While we understand the economic impact that these stoppages can cause, the solution isn’t to undermine unions and ignore collective bargaining rights. We feel that this kind of intervention sends a message that workers’ voices don’t matter. We must find ways to keep the dialogue open, not shut it down.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what’s your outlook on the situation? Do you believe a resolution is possible soon?
**Frank Morena:** It’s hard to predict. Our union is committed to negotiating fairly, but it will depend on our ability to regain the respect for our bargaining rights. The response from workers across Canada signifies a growing resistance to these tactics. Our resolve is strong, and we will continue to fight for our rights at the negotiated table.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Frank. We will continue to follow this situation closely as it develops.
**Frank Morena:** Thank you. It’s crucial for everyone to understand these issues, as they affect not just dock workers but the entire economy.
