Canada labour minister proposes new mediator for Montreal port workers strike

(Reuters) – Canada’s Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon on Tuesday proposed the appointment of a special mediator for a 90-day period for Montreal port workers strike.

MacKinnon said that there would be no strike or lock-out during the deadline negotiation period, according to a post on X.

Talks between the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and Montreal Longshoremen’s union remain in a deadlock over wages.

The parties will have to submit responses to the Labour Ministry no later than Friday, Oct. 18, the MEA said in a statement.

The strike has impacted the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for about 40% of the port’s container traffic.

The Montreal Longshoremen’s Union did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.