OTTAWA, ONTARIO, July 23, 2010 - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Labour, welcomed the resumption of negotiations between the Maritime Employers Association, Montréal, Quebec, and the Syndicat des débardeurs (Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 375) at the Port of Montréal. Work will restart at the Port of Montréal on Saturday, July 24, 2010, and negotiations will resume on Monday, July 26, 2010.
"I applaud the Maritime Employers Association and the Syndicat des débardeurs for demonstrating a responsible attitude by ending this work stoppage early and resuming the negotiation process," said Minister Raitt. "Our government welcomes this positive step forward, as it will help keep Canada's economy on a steady course and ensure the delivery of important goods and services to Canadians."
The collective agreement covering a unit of 830 longshoremen expired on December 31, 2008.
"I would also like to thank the federal mediators for their efforts in helping the parties negotiate an end to the work stoppage and a resumption of bargaining," Minister Raitt added.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Mediation aims to achieve a collective agreement and avoid a work stoppage.
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For further information (media only):
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
