News Labour Relations
St. Lawrence Seaway workers represented by Unifor issue strike notice

Unifor members working for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are ready to strike as of midnight on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, according to the union.

It said the job action would “effectively shut down transit through the Seaway. This drastic decision follows the issuance of a 72-hour strike warning to the employer, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction and the imperative for a swift resolution to the ongoing disputes.”

“Employers have seen that workers will absolutely use their right to strike when they feel it’s necessary, and our members in all units at the Seaway have had enough,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It’s time to come to the table with a serious wage offer or the employer can watch what happens when workers stand together and demand their fair share.”

Unifor members at Locals 4211, 4212 and 4323 in Ontario and Locals 4319 and 4320 in Quebec have all delivered strike mandates, according to Unifor. Members in the supervisory and engineering group of workers in Locals 4211 and 4319 rejected a tentative agreement on Aug. 1, 2023 and have aligned their plans with the maintenance, operations and administrative unit that recently voted 99% to strike.

“This employer has shown no willingness to address the workers’ concerns in the workplace or approach them with a respectful wage offer,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. “A strike is always a tool of last resort when it comes to negotiations, but these workers have been clear and are united in their goals – they’re ready.”

Negotiations are ongoing.