Employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (CGVMSL) began a strike on Sunday that has paralyzed the St. Lawrence River.
• Also read: Sea route: “1000 nautical miles” from an agreement to avoid closure
• Also read: Towards a paralysis of the sea route
While a 72-hour strike notice was officially filed on Wednesday, negotiations between the two parties reached an impasse. At 12:01 a.m., the approximately 360 employees represented by Unifor began a strike that prevented merchant ships from passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway.
“We negotiated in good faith until the last moment, but we cannot allow workers’ rights to be jeopardized. We remain open to discussions and hope that the employer will reconsider its position for the benefit of all,” emphasized Daniel Cloutier, Quebec director of Unifor.
While the company’s employees demand a better salary offer, the employer continues to insist that it cannot offer them what they demand.
“The parties are at an impasse as UNIFOR continues to insist on wage increases inspired by automotive-style negotiations, while the CGVMSL strives to find a fair and competitive employment contract that balances wage requirements and market realities.” said the company in a press release.
CGVMSL President and CEO Terence Bowles wanted to highlight the important aspects of a quick agreement. In fact, the closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway will have a significant economic impact if the situation does not change quickly.
“There is a lot at stake and we are committed to finding a solution that serves the interests of the company and its employees. We remain committed to continuing discussions and reaching a fair working agreement. “During this time of economic and geopolitical crisis, it is important that the sea route remains a reliable transportation route for the efficient movement of essential goods between North America and the rest of the world,” he said.