A strike that shuttered operations through the St. Lawrence Seaway for the last week came to an end as both the union and employer announced they had reached a tentative contract.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the union Unifor representing 360 employees and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) to end the strike action ongoing since 22nd October 2023, as announced yesterday.
Both parties state that details of the tentative agreement will first be shared with the Unifor employees for their vote scheduled in the coming days, and it will then be made public once the agreement has been ratified.
St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation informs that they begin to implement a recovery program immediately and will start passing ships at the Seaway Monday morning at 07:00 am with the return-to-work of the employees.
Terence Bowles, SLSMC President and CEO, said that “We have in hand an agreement that’s fair for workers and secures a strong and stable future for the Seaway,” and “We know that this strike has not been easy for anyone, and value the patience and cooperation of our marine industry bi national partners; carriers, shippers, ports, local communities and all those who depend on this vital transportation corridor on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border”.
Lana Payne, Unifor National President, said that “For the first time in 55 years seaway workers took the very hard decision to go on strike. They did so to fight for a more respectful workplace and for an agreement that reflects today’s economic times,” and “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.”
