Collective agreement reached between the Halifax Employers Association and the Council of International Longshoremen's Association

Minister Leitch congratulates parties on reaching an agreement

OTTAWA, April 4, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today congratulated the Halifax Employers Association on successfully reaching a new collective agreement at the Port of Halifax.

This agreement covers approximately 300 longshoremen, foremen and walking bosses, as well as approximately 70 checkers and 70 gear repair men working at the Halifax port. The parties' previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013.

The parties reached the agreement with the assistance of the Labour Program's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which provides dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the Canada Labour Code.

Quick Facts

• The Port of Halifax is a gateway for trade to and from North America. The Port handles a wide range of cargo destined for, or originating in, 150 countries worldwide.
  

• The agreement covers members of the Halifax Longshoremen's Association, Local 269, the Halifax Freight and Steamship Checkers Union, Local 1341, and the Halifax Gear Repair and Maintenance Men, Local 1825.
  

• Over the past five years, 94% of collective bargaining negotiations in the federal jurisdiction were resolved without a work stoppage when the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was involved.

Quote

"I am pleased that the Halifax Employers Association and the Council of International Longshoremen's Association worked together to reach an agreement. This agreement allows the employer and employees to pursue their work and contribute to the Port's international competitiveness." 
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Associated Link

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Andrew McGrath, Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected] ; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] ; Follow us on Twitter