A strike deadline for workers along the St. Lawrence Seaway, set for just past noon today, has been extended to 5pm Monday, Canada’s largest private sector union Unifor said this morning.
Notice of the new strike or lockout deadline was served to the Seaway this morning during ongoing contract negotiations in Cornwall, Ontario.
Talks will continue through the weekend under a media blackout as long as the parties remain engaged in the process. The two sides have been meeting day and night since Tuesday in hopes of reaching a deal.
“We remain hopeful that a deal can be reached,” said Unifor National Representative Joel Fournier.
Under federal labour law, 72 hours’ notice must be given of any potential strike or lockout. The 460 members of Unifor work along the St. Lawrence Seaway from Niagara to Montreal.
St. Lawrence Seaway is the waterway linking the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Unifor announced the strike as a response to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation introducing hands-free mooring, thus eliminating the staff currently working on the locks.
Press Release; Image: St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation