Share
On Oct. 21, just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.
Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate, but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”
A 72-hour strike notice had been filed on Oct. 18, and despite sustained negotiating efforts, no resolution was reached by the Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier emphasized the negotiating committee's ongoing commitment to constructive dialogue and said, "We negotiated in good faith right up to the last moment, but we cannot allow workers' rights to be compromised. We remain open to discussion and hope that the employer will reconsider its position for the good of all."
Following notice from the federal government, mediation between the union and the employer will take place in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.
Unifor will comply with the call to mediation and will continue to support members on the picket line while talks take place.
View photos of Unifor National President Lana Payne’s visit to the St. Catharines picket line.
Watch the video of Unifor National President Lana Payne at the picket line.
View photos of Day 1 on the picket lines at the St. Lambert Lock in Quebec.
