Canada Faces Renewed Port Strikes as Unions Challenge Orders

Canadian ports may face additional strikes as unions challenge the federal government's intervention in their disputes.

Nine days ago, Labour Minister Steven Mackinnon stepped in to halt worker lockouts at Canada’s two largest ports, Vancouver and Montreal. He instructed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to mandate the resumption of operations at both ports and moved ongoing negotiations to binding arbitration after days of disruptions.

However, unions representing workers in Montreal and British Columbia are now formally disputing the federal labour minister’s legal and constitutional authority to compel them back to work. The Canada Industrial Relations Board is set to review the unions' challenge next month.

Meanwhile, in the United States, tensions are also brewing as a potential strike looms over the East and Gulf Coasts. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has remained firm in its opposition to automation, a key sticking point in negotiations.

A three-day strike by the ILA last month ended after an agreement on wages was reached with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), postponing further action until January. The two sides resumed negotiations earlier this month, with the current contract set to expire on January 15, just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

However, talks broke down again on November 13, with USMX warning of an increased likelihood of another strike in the new year.