OTTAWA, ONTARIO, JULY 19, 2010-I am disappointed that the Maritime Employers Association, Montréal, Quebec, and the Syndicat des débardeurs (Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 375) have been unable to reach an agreement in their labour dispute, which has resulted in a work stoppage.
I urge the parties to resume bargaining and reach a negotiated agreement as soon as possible. Mediators from the Labour Program's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service remain in contact with the parties and are available to assist at all times.
Good labour-management relations in Canada's ports support the country's recovery from the global economic slowdown and its long-term prosperity. The Government will continue to monitor the situation in the Port of Montréal closely.
For 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
