Canada's Industrial Relations Board Directive

(Reuters) – Canada's Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ordered a resumption of operations at the Port of Montreal starting Saturday morning, as announced by the port's employers association. This decision follows intervention from the federal government, which directed the labour board to resolve ongoing port disputes.

On Tuesday, the Canadian government intervened to address labour disputes at the nation’s largest ports, including Vancouver in British Columbia and Montreal in Quebec, citing concerns over economic damage and the risk of losing trading partners.

This marks the second occasion within three months that the Liberal government has intervened to end disputes, having previously ordered stoppages to cease at Canada’s two largest railway companies in August.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) stated they would comply with the labour board's orders, enabling Montreal port operators to resume activities over the weekend.

The Montreal Longshoremen's Union rejected a final offer for a new labour contract on Sunday, resulting in a lockout declaration. The union has not immediately commented on the resumption of activities due to outside regular business hours.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon noted that the dispute has been affecting over C$1.3 billion ($924.35 million) worth of goods daily, impacting shipments of canola oil, forest products, and various commodities.

Meanwhile, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, representing supervisory longshore workers in the British Columbia dispute, announced it would challenge the minister's orders legally.

The BC Maritime Employers Association, which represents West Coast port employers including Vancouver, confirmed receiving the labour board's order to resume operations by Thursday.

($1 = 1.4064 Canadian dollars)