Canada’s Labor Board Orders Port of Montreal Dockworkers Back to Work
November 15, 2024
(Reuters) – Canada’s Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered a resumption of operations at the Port of Montreal from Saturday morning, the port’s employers association said, after the federal government stepped in and directed the labor board to end port disputes.
Canada on Tuesday intervened to end the labor disputes at the country’s biggest ports, including Vancouver in British Columbia and Montreal in Quebec, citing economic damage and the potential for driving away trading partners.
It was the second time in three months that the Liberal government has stepped in to halt a labor dispute. In August, it ordered an end to work stoppages at the country’s two largest railway companies.
The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) said it would comply with the labor board’s directive, allowing Montreal port operators to resume activity over the weekend.
The Montreal Longshoremen’s Union on Sunday rejected a final offer made for a new labor contract, leading to a lockout being declared.
The union did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours on resumption of activities.
The dispute, which Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said was affecting more than C$1.3 billion ($924.35 million) in goods every day, has impacted shipments of canola oil, forest products and other goods.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, which represents supervisory longshore workers in the British Columbia dispute, said on Tuesday it would file a legal challenge to the minister’s orders.
The BC Maritime Employers Association, which represents West Coast port employers including in Vancouver, said it received the order from the labor board on Wednesday to resume operations on Thursday.
($1 = 1.4064 Canadian dollars)
(Reporting by Surbhi Misra in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Toledo museum celebrates the Christmas Tree Ship’s legacy
On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Known as the Christmas Tree Ship, its captain, Herman E. Schuenemann (a.k.a. “Captain Santa”), was known for giving trees to families in need.
The story of the ship’s history and captain is the inspiration behind the National Museum of the Great Lakes annual Community Giveback Event—The Christmas Tree Ship, presented by The University of Toledo Medical Center. Enjoy free museum admission all day long and make memories that last a lifetime! Watch Santa arrive at the museum’s dock aboard a Geo. Gradel Co. tugboat delivering a Christmas Tree into your hands or the hands of someone in need.
Community Giveback Day Itinerary
10 AM – 5 PM: Museum Admission Free All Day
11 AM: Enjoy the East Toledo Holiday Parade
1:15 PM: Watch the Ship’s Journey to the Museum via Livestream
1:30 PM: Santa Arrives to the Museum’s Docks
1:45 – 3:45 PM: Meet and Greet with Santa
Not able to join in person? Tune into our Facebook page around 1:15 p.m. for a livestream of the ship’s journey down the Maumee River. Get a tour of the Christmas Tree Ship, learn more about the story that inspired our event, and meet the individuals onboard, including Santa!
Read more here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship24/
