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The 1,100 workers have been without a collective agreement since December 2018.
Unifor is warning the federal government that back-to-work legislation is contrary to the principles of fair and free collective bargaining. Legislation of this nature always gives the employer the upper hand, and Unifor calls on the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) to return to the bargaining table and negotiate with the workers and their union.
"The federal government should not give into demands from the employer, but instead work to bring both parties together," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "Collective bargaining conflicts must get settled at the negotiating table, not with legislation."
Unifor Quebec Director Renaud Gagne said for bargaining to succeed, the MEA needs to know that the federal government is not prepared to rescue them with draconian legislation. "Unifor Quebec stands with the dockworkers who have worked throughout the pandemic risking their health and lives."
Unifor represents about 70,000 workers in federally-regulated sectors.
