Welland Canal Mayors issue statement on Seaway workers strike

The Mayors of cities and towns bordering the Welland Canal have issued a joint call for an agreement to be reached amidst the St. Lawrence Seaway workers strike, emphasizing the vitality of maintaining operations along the canal.

The statement was issued Monday by the Mayors of Port Colborne, Welland, Thorold and St. Catharines detailed the visible impact already being had on ships as they line the canal at both ends.

“The Seaway is one of the most vital conduits for trade throughout North America,
supporting over $12 billion in economic activity annually,” wrote the mayors.

“The potential impacts of a strike on the economy, jobs, and the supply chain highlight the importance of marine shipping on the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway, and the need to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.”

The Mayors are calling for the matter to be resolved swiftly and with minimal disruption to maintain the Seaway’s “long and respected reputation for reliability in its operations.”

They have additionally expressed an expectation that contingency planning would be completed to support the movement of vital commodities throughout the strike.

READ MORE: St. Lawrence Seaway shuts down as workers go on strike

“Much of Port Colborne’s livelihood hinges on the bustling activity along the Welland
Canal,” said Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele.

“While I extend my empathy to the employees currently engaged in this strike, it is important to recognize that the seamless flow of goods through the Great Lakes stands at the core of our regional economy along the Canal.”

As of Tuesday, the strike by Seaway workers has entered its third day.

The five union locals in negotiations are comprised of some 360 workers running from engineers to administrators.

Talks first began in June with the help of a federal mediator, and continued after Unifor issued a 72-hour strike notice to the employer on Wednesday.

Last year, around $16.7 billion worth of cargo — nearly half of it grain and iron ore — passed through the St. Lawrence Seaway, a system of locks, canals and channels that stretches more than 300 kilometres.

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