Operations resumed Thursday morning at two major container terminals at the Port of Montreal after dockworkers concluded a planned three-day strike, but uncertainty continues to hang over Canada’s supply chains as labour tensions remain unresolved.
The Maritime Employers Association confirmed that the work stoppage ended at 7 a.m. at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals. Together, the two facilities account for more than 40 per cent of container traffic at the Port of Montreal, the country’s second-busiest port.
Despite the return to work, negotiations have made little visible progress this week. The dockworkers’ union says no formal talks took place, alleging that employers declined to attend a meeting proposed by federal mediators.
“What message does this send?” asked Michel Murray, a speaker for the local union affiliated with the Canadian Union of Public Employees. “The employer warns about economic damage and supply chain risks, yet won’t sit down to negotiate solutions.”
The employers association countered that no meeting had been scheduled for Thursday and reiterated that it remains committed to reaching a collective agreement through bargaining. Both sides later confirmed they would attend mediator-led discussions on Friday in Montreal.
Employer spokesperson Isabelle Pelletier said earlier this week that mediation was yielding limited results, but emphasized that the association is still pursuing a deal. “Our goal is a durable agreement that reflects today’s realities, so we can restore stability and bring cargo volumes back to Montreal,” she said.
The partial strike involved roughly 300 of the port’s 1,200 longshore workers and began Monday just one day before a massive labour action unfolded south of the border. Tens of thousands of dockworkers left the job at more than three dozen U.S. ports, temporarily shutting down about half of the country’s ocean cargo flow.
Late Thursday, the U.S. dockworkers’ union finalized to pause its strike until Jan. 15, allowing time for further contract negotiations.
The timing raised alarms among Canadian businesses that rely heavily on cross-border and international shipping. Many goods sold in Canada arrive through U.S. ports, while Canadian exports often pass through American terminals before heading overseas.
Food importers and manufacturers warned that extended labour disruptions either in the U.S. or in Montreal could quickly create backlogs. Fresh Taste Produce, an Ontario-based importer, said it was waiting on a shipment of South African oranges stuck at the Port of New York and New Jersey.
“We’re probably fine for about a week, but after that it becomes uncertain,” said Lyda Gonzalez, the company’s import co-ordinator. The firm also imports apples from Chile and kiwis from Italy through Montreal and had stockpiled extra inventory ahead of the strike. Still, the risk of spoilage remains if further job action occurs.
Manufacturers face similar concerns, especially those operating on just-in-time inventory systems. Limited transportation alternatives can amplify the impact of port disruptions.
“You can’t simply reroute certain bulk commodities like iron ore or bauxite,” said Dennis Darby, CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
According to U.S. government data, machinery, mechanical equipment, and transportation products account for more than 39 per cent of American exports to Canada. Darby noted that roughly $50 million worth of manufactured goods or components leave Canada each day through the Port of Montreal, underscoring the risk of serious bottlenecks if another strike is triggered.
Under labour rules, the dockworkers’ union must provide 72 hours’ notice before launching another walkout. The strike mandate approved by union members on Sept. 25 remains in force for 60 days, leaving the door open to renewed job action if talks break down.
For now, cargo is moving again but businesses across Canada are watching closely, wary that the calm at one of the country’s most critical ports may prove temporary.
