Approximately one week after the strike began, Unifor reached a tentative agreement with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) after a weekend of talks with federal government mediators.
“For the first time in 55 years seaway workers took the very hard decision to go on strike. They did so to fight for a more respectful workplace and for an agreement that reflects today’s economic times,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president in a statement released by Unifor late on Sunday, October 29. “They have shown that the best deal is reached at the bargaining table, and I congratulate the committee on their outstanding work on behalf of their members.”
The union, which represents approximately 360 employees across five locals in Ontario and Quebec sought to secure fairer wages for their workers.
READ MORE: Union representing striking St. Lawrence Seaway workers agree to call for mediation
The St. Lawrence Seaway stretches 300km from Montreal to Lake Erie and sees $16.7 billion worth of cargo travel through it every year. When the strike began on Sunday, October 23 there were 100 vessels waiting at that time to enter the seaway.
SLSMC president and CEO Terence Bowles also applauded the agreement.
“We have in hand an agreement that’s fair for workers and secures a strong and stable future
for the Seaway,” Bowles said in a statement.
Union members returned to work on Monday morning, October 30 at 7AM. A vote on the tentative deal will be held among union members in the coming days.
“I am so proud of the unity of our members along the Seaway as they joined together to secure better wages and working conditions for all,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec director.
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