Marine

SYDNEY, N.S.—Unifor has filed for conciliation on behalf of Marine Atlantic workers represented by Locals 4285 and 4286 after the employer has demonstrated an unwillingness to bargain by delaying meaningful negotiations.

November 2, 2023

MONTREAL- Unifor members at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) have ratified new collective agreements, with the maintenance, operations and clerical group voting 85% in favour, and the supervisory group voting 87% in favour. The ratification follows a strike that halted transit along the Seaway from October 22 to October 30, 2023.

TORONTO- Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) during mediated negotiations on behalf of Ontario and Quebec members engaged in strike action since October 22, 2023. 

On Oct. 21, just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate, but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”

A 72-hour strike notice had been filed on Oct. 18, and despite sustained negotiating efforts, no resolution was reached by the Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. deadline.

October 22, 2023

MONTREAL - On Saturday night just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past two days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”

MONTREAL-Unifor members working for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are ready to strike as of midnight on Saturday, October 21, 2023, which would effectively shut down transit through the Seaway. This drastic decision follows the issuance of a 72-hour strike warning to the employer, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction and the imperative for a swift resolution to the ongoing disputes.

VICTORIA—A Labour Day weekend strike has been averted after the bargaining committees of Unifor Local 114 and the Victoria Clipper ferry signed a tentative agreement.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and the members who mobilized quickly to get the word out on both sides of the border about their struggle for a fair contract,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. 

Details of the agreement will be available upon ratification of the contract. A vote is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

VICTORIA—Unifor Local 114 members at the Victoria-Seattle ferry service have voted 100% in favour of taking legal strike action on Sunday, September 3 if a fair contract cannot be reached before then.

“Unless the employer shows up to the bargaining table with a fair offer, the Victoria Clipper will be anchored on one of the busiest tourism weekends of the year,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Ferry workers deserve a fair contract and will take job action if negotiations continue to stall.”

VICTORIA—Members of Unifor Local 114 working at the Victoria Clipper say the pace of bargaining for their next contract suggests that the Victoria-Seattle ferry service could be disrupted before the end of the summer.

“The Clipper’s negotiators seem to be stuck in a pandemic concessionary mindset,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Ferry ridership has rebounded from COVID-19. The company simply has no excuse to drag its feet on a fair contract for workers.”

VANCOUVER—Unifor calls on the BC Maritime Employers’ Association to bargain in good faith and negotiate a fair settlement with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

“Unifor is very familiar with the underhanded tactics used by employers at the ports in Metro Vancouver,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Unifor members, including hundreds of container truckers at the ports, stand united with ILWU in its strike for a fair contract.”