Agriculture among many industries impacted by shutdown. (Photo 153913576 © Blissss | Dreamstime.com)

By Brian Konrad with files from Canadian Press

St. Lawrence seaway shut down by strike

Oct 23, 2023 | 6:47 AM

MONTREAL — The federal transport and labour minister are urging both sides to return to bargaining in a dispute that has shut down shipping on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says the strike could lead to lost sales and revenue for small businesses already dealing with inflation and labour shortages.

Fertilizer Canada is calling for a quick end to the dispute, noting fall is a crucial time in Eastern Canada for the import of fertilizer shipments in preparation for spring.

Last year, about 16.7-billion-dollars worth of cargo moved through the system of locks, canals and channels.

The strike began on Sunday after Unifor, the workers union said it was unable to reach an agreement with the employer by the strike deadline, despite negotiations that went up to the last minute.

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The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation also released a statement, saying the union – quote – “continues to insist on wage increases inspired by automotive-type negotiations.”