Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, expressed disappointment today when informed that Unifor served a 72-hour strike notice. The strike is scheduled to begin on October 31 at 12:15 p.m.

A mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is assisting the parties with negotiations. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.

Quick facts

• The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic through the Canadian Seaway facilities, which consist of 13 of the 15 locks between Montreal and Lake Erie.
• The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation represents 110 supervisory employees, approximately 450 operations and maintenance employees and approximately 20 office employees working at its headquarters in Cornwall, Ontario.
• Three collective agreements expired on March 31, 2014.

Quote

“Our government is disappointed that the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Unifor have not come to terms on the collective agreements. I strongly encourage both parties to continue negotiating to find a solution that will benefit everyone. The best solution in any dispute is always the one that the parties reach themselves.”

– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women