Port Protests Continue as Canadian Dockworkers Halt Overtime

Protests at ports across North America's east coast have been escalating all year, with tensions reaching a peak last week during a three-day strike along the east and Gulf coasts of the U.S. Meanwhile, the labor disputes north of the border show no signs of resolution.

Dockworkers at Montreal, Canada’s largest eastern port, joined the fray with their own three-day strike last week. As of today, they have announced a new measure, indefinitely halting all overtime work as contract talks between the union and port management remain at a standstill.

“We’re ready to negotiate intensively, but since the employer is dragging its feet, we’re putting a little pressure on it to devote its energies to finding a solution,” said Michel Murray, a spokesperson for the local union, part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

While port operations resumed in the U.S. after last week’s historic strike, the situation remains volatile. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) announced an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) regarding wage increases, temporarily halting the strike until a new U.S. president takes office in January.

Union leaders have warned, however, that without addressing key issues, further action could be on the horizon in 2025.

In a joint statement, both the ILA and USMX confirmed they would return to the negotiation table to settle unresolved matters, with their current contract extended until January 15. 

Over the weekend, ILA leaders celebrated the “unprecedented” wage increase of 61.5% spread over six years. However, they also emphasized their ongoing battle to prevent automation from taking over port operations. 

“The fight against automation is not just about job preservation; it is about ensuring that ILA members continue to play an essential role in port operations,” the union said, expressing its intent to secure protections against the use of remote-controlled or fully automated machinery.