An indefinite strike began Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. at Montreal port’s Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, operated by Termont, following a strike notice filed by CUPE Local 375, the longshore workers’ union.

These terminals are now closed, halting rail, truck, and ship services, and resulting in a significant disruption, with 40% of the Port of Montreal’s container handling capacity paralyzed. Ships and trains are being rerouted, and the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is voicing deep concern about the potential economic impact.

While Bickerdike, Cast, Racine, and CanEst container terminals, Logistec’s dry bulk terminals, liquid bulk terminals, and the Viterra grain terminal remain open, the strike has already resulted in major challenges. Containers, including hundreds of refrigerated units carrying essential medical, pharmaceutical, and food products, are backlogged on-site, and the work stoppage has disrupted outbound train services.

Five incoming container ships carrying a total of 18,000 TEUs, including essential medical supplies, have been diverted to other ports. Many of the 26 scheduled ships over the next three weeks may also reroute, affecting supply chains and heightening uncertainty for importers, exporters, and local businesses.

“It is imperative that the parties reach agreement. This new work stoppage at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, at the very hub of our supply chain, can only have a deeply negative impact on thousands of local businesses, as well as on the economy of Quebec and Canada as a whole,” said Julie Gascon, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Montreal.

“This shutdown affects half of our international container terminals and heightens a climate of uncertainty that undermines the reliability and image of our logistics sector, key elements in the confidence that businesses place in the Greater Montreal ecosystem. Faced with these challenges, our resolve to find a quick and lasting solution is more pressing than ever. We are all aware of how crucial operations at the Port of Montreal are, and the vital role they play not only for Quebec, but also for the rest of Canada. The need to reach an agreement quickly is acute and cannot be ignored.”