The federal government is putting an end to the labour strife currently impacting ports in Montreal and on the west coast.
Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon announced Tuesday that is directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the resumption of all operations at the ports and move stalled contract talks to binding arbitration.
"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 said in a statement. "It is my duty and responsibility to act in the interest of businesses, workers, farmers, families and all Canadians."
Although bulk grain movement was not being impacted at either port, the week-long lockout of approximately 700 port foremen at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert was affecting the shipment of pulse and other crops that move via container. Meanwhile, about 1,200 longshore workers were locked out Sunday night at the Port of Montreal, a key hub for Ontario fertilizer imports.
The federal government also intervened back in August after a contract impasse halted operations at Canada’s two national railways.
Russel Hurst, executive director of the Ontario Agri Business Association, said on Monday about half of all eastern Canada fertilizer shipments were already landed in place, but expressed relief port operations would be restored.
“These labour disputes are wreaking havoc on trade,” he said. “We have a hard enough time being competitive and adding these ongoing challenges to the supply chain is painful.”
