Following the order on November 12th from Canada’s Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, to end recent disruptions at Montreal, Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Fraser-Surrey, ports are able to resume operations.

In line with this, maintenance operations in Prince Rupert resumed Rail Operations November 14th (16:30 shift), followed by Vessel Operations, Truck Gate & Rail November 15th. Vancouver has also resumed Truck, Gate & Rail service November 15th. Fraser-Surrey resumes Truck Gates Open and Container Vessel Operations November 15th, with Rail Operations resuming Sunday November 17th, 16:30 shift.

At Montreal, operations are expected to resume Saturday, November 16, 2024 (0:700).

MONTREAL:

With its teams fully mobilized, the MPA (Montreal Port Authority) is working closely with all its port and intermodal partners to implement a recovery plan enabling the return to normal operations as quickly as possible.  It may take a few weeks to re-establish the fluidity of the supply chain and process all goods, both imports and exports, currently at the Port of Montreal or in transit and due to arrive in the next few days.

With over 5,000 TEU containers currently on the ground, 55,000 linear feet of rail to handle, and 22 vessels on their way or waiting at anchor, every effort will be made to handle these volumes quickly.

VANCOUVER:

Truck gates will open starting on the day-shift Friday November 15, 2024: 

Vanterm | Day-shift | Friday, November 15

Centerm | Day-shift | Friday, November 15

Deltaport | Day-shift | Friday, November 15

Fraser Surrey | Day-shift | Friday, November 15th  

RAIL OPERATIONS (Montreal & Vancouver):

CPKC will be re-opening all terminals to all port destinations.  Whilst all terminals to all port destinations are re-opened, the system will require some time to catch up with the lifting of restrictions.  Please expect delays in line with this.

CN has begun moving staged trains towards the West Coast ports and loading existing inland terminal inventory.  

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

Steve MacKinnon, Canada's labour minister has instructed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order the resumption of Port Operations in both Montreal and the West Coast through binding arbitration.

In a Container News article today:

"Union officials have vowed to fight the Canadian government’s order to end the port disputes at its major facilities in Montreal, Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514, which represents supervisory longshore workers in British Columbia, said it will file a legal challenge to the minister’s orders, which impose binding arbitration on both sides of the dispute.

Steve MacKinnon, Canada’s labour minister has instructed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order parties at ports in Quebec and across Canada’s West Coast to resume operations and duties, and to impose binding arbitration on the Parties in order to reach a settlement.

MacKinnon said that the disputes were affecting the handling of US$932 million worth of goods on a daily basis, hitting shipments of canola oil and forest products, among other things.

The BC Maritime Employers Association said it intends to follow the CIRB’s direction and will inform its employer membership of operational updates as soon as possible.

However, the unions have reacted angrily. Frank Morena, ILWU Local 514 president, said: “We will fight this order in the courts, and we will not forget how these employers and this federal Liberal government have attacked not only the ILWU but all of labour.”"
 

Read the full article here.

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

Steamship Lines and Co-Loaders have started to Declare Force Majeure as U.S. Dockworker Strike reaches day two.

In a Loadstar article today:

"Shipping lines are beginning to declare force majeure, as the US east and Gulf coast port strike enters its second day.

Any hope from employer association USMX that the government might intervene to halt the economically damaging strike was dashed yesterday, when the White House landed firmly on the side of the union.

The administration also warned carriers against ‘price-gouging’ as the strike continues.

A statement from President Biden urged both sides to restart collective bargaining, saying “the best way for workers to get the pay and benefits they deserve”.

It added: “I have urged USMX, which represents a group of foreign-owned carriers, to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers of the International Longshoremen’s Association that ensures they are paid appropriately in line with their invaluable contributions.

“Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic and, in some cases, in excess of 800% compared with their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates.

“It’s only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.”

Noting the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the president pointed out that dockworkers played an essential role.

“Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits. My administration will be monitoring for any price gouging activity that benefits foreign ocean carriers, including those on the USMX board.”
 

Read the full article here.

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

Port of Montreal issues press release on impacts on only one-day partial strike action:

"At the end of the first day of the partial strike at the Port of Montreal, which took place yesterday, September 30, 2024, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) reveals the first operational impacts.

While the ongoing work stoppage at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals is paralyzing 40% of total container handling capacity, APM is seeing an accumulation of containers on the ground, including temperature-controlled containers for food, pharmaceutical and medical products. In addition, goods scheduled to transit through the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals are currently being held up at forwarding agents, and five container ships due to arrive at the Port of Montreal in the next few days have been delayed.

The data released today presents a partial picture, as companies using Montreal's port services have few options.

Port of Montreal situation as of October 1st, 8:00am:

Ground Freight  TEU containers (general cargo)1300  Reefers (food products and/or products with limited shelf life) 300 TEU containers with critical goods (pharmaceuticals and medical equipment) 12 Linear feet (rail) on floor 24,000 

Impacted Cargo Vessels on standby 5 Delayed containers (TEU) 11,549

Based on past data, the current slowdown would result in a 10% drop in total cargo volumes handled at the Port of Montreal.

Based on past data, the current slowdown would result in a 10% drop in total cargo volumes handled at the Port of Montreal.

Note that the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, operated by Termont, are currently closed, meaning that access to the terminals is prohibited, and no rail, ship or truck services are provided. The three-day partial strike by members of the CUPE Longshoremen's Union, Local 375, will continue until 6:59 a.m. on Thursday, October 3. All other Port of Montreal terminals remain in service."

Read the full release here.
 

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

CPKC issues a Bulletin just after midnight this morning, advising:

"We are pleased to advise that the Event of Force Majeure that commenced at 00:001 ET on August 22, 2024 has ended and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is resuming operations across its Canadian railway network.
Accordingly, CPKC hereby gives Notice of Termination of the Event of Force Majeure effective as of 00:01 on August 28, 2024.
For up-to-date information on specific impacts to your shipments or other problem resolution inquiries, please contact Customer Service at 1-888-333-8111. You can also reach Customer Service through the Log an Issue tool on Customer Station or via email at customer_service@cpkcr.com.
Thank you for your continued patience and support."

24 August: Federal Labour Board Orders Rail Operations to Resume, Imposes Binding Arbitration 

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ordered operations to resume at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) and continue at Canadian National Railway (CN) while the ongoing disputes proceed to binding arbitration.

CPKC’s network start-up is underway, with staged trains launching per the company’s recovery plan. Customers are encouraged to pick up their containers as quickly as possible during this period of high demand.

The intermodal gate restrictions implemented on August 15 have been rescinded. Customers can now ingate and outgate inbound/outbound containers, including perishable loaded equipment (reefers) at all terminals. The dangerous goods embargo is lifted. All terminals are operating as per regular operational hours.

CPKC anticipates operating conditions will remain seasonal across the balance of its intermodal network this week:

• Domestic empty equipment is available across CPKC’s Canadian      terminals
• DRP equipment supply is available in both Vaughan and Lachine
• Empty equipment supply is adequate at terminals in both the U.S.      and Mexico

The Teamsters union said it will comply with the board's decision but plans to appeal the ruling in court, arguing it "sets a dangerous precedent." 

Read more in an article from CBC News.
 

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

Customs Notice 24-27: CARM October 21st Implementation - Transition Measures

On August 23rd, CBSA published Customs Notice 24-27:

"Effective October 21, 2024 the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system will become the official system that importers and other trade chain partners will use to account for imported goods and pay for duties, including taxes, (hereafter referred to as “duties”) owing on the goods. Additionally, the CARM Client Portal (CCP) also becomes the Agency’s centralized system for trade chain partners to register their CBSA account and enroll in the various CBSA programs (e.g., Importer; Release Prior to Payment; etc.)

3. The CBSA has developed transition measures to ensure continued border fluidity and timely submission of accounting and payment of duties after CARM implementation on October 21, 2024."

Read the full Notice here:   

Customs Notice 24-27: CARM October Implementation – Transition Measures (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

FCL Fisker CARM Registration Support Options

Option 1: Authorizing FCL Fisker Customs and Logistics to register in the portal on your behalf

• “I authorize FCL Fisker Customs and Logistics to register in the CARM Portal on my behalf for a one-time fee of CAD 220 + taxes.” 

Option 2: Assisted Registration

• A scheduled meeting with an authorized representative of the company will be booked for a walk-through on how to register in the portal. 
• This will guide the process of registration for CAD 125.00 + taxes.

Option 3: Self-Registration

• Please delegate authority to FCL Fisker and Hartwick O’Shea & Cartwright (HOC) once registration is done for us to continue to act as your customs brokers. 
• To complete this process, you must go to ->Manage my Business Relationships -> Approve Request-> All Programs -> Access: BAM – Business Account Manager – Check all boxes of Visibility Rules.

Option 4: Non-Involvement to CARM

• “I no longer import to Canada and am not required to register in the CARM portal.”

For more information, you can directly contact the CBSA's Client Support Centre at 1-800-461-9999 or visit:  CBSA Online

For additional support, email  CARM@fisker.ca

For further inquiries, email customs@fisker.ca 

Air Canada pilots voted to give their union a strike mandate as negotiations over a new labour agreement have been stalled for more than a year. Workers could walk off the job as soon as mid-September.

The Air Line Pilots Association, representing Air Canada’s more than 5,400 aviators, is in a federal conciliation process with Air Canada until August 26, which will be followed by a 21-day cooling off period. The workers will be in a legal strike position starting September 17.

Read more in an article from the American Journal of Transportation.

28 August: CIFFA Announces Letter Written to Minister of Labour Seeking Government Intervention to Avert a Strike by Air Canada Pilots:

CIFFA has written to Canada's Minister of Labour to express concern about "the looming possibility of a strike among the pilots of Air Canada."

CIFFA urges the minister "to use all available resources within your department to facilitate an early resolution and, if necessary, to intervene to avert a strike."

The letter was copied to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne."

Read the full letter.

27 August: Air Canada Comments on the End of Federal Conciliation in Negotiations with Air Line Pilots Association

Air Canada yesterday issued the following update on its ongoing contract negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Air Canada's intention remains to reach a negotiated settlement with its pilots, one that recognizes their professionalism and contributions to the airline. During the talks, there has been significant progress and the three-week cooling off period gives the parties more than sufficient time to address any outstanding issues. Air Canada is fully committed to bargaining meaningfully throughout the period. 

For more information about Air Canada's ongoing contract negotiations with the ALPA, go to https://media.aircanada.com/labour-relations.

Read more in a press release from Air Canada.

For further inquiries, email air@fisker.ca 

Workers for Canada’s biggest railways have voted to strike, setting the stage for a potentially crippling labour disruption that could stall freight shipments across the country.  

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union says members working at Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate as both sides remain far apart in labour negotiations.

The Teamsters could now call for a nationwide rail strike as early as May 22. It would impact around 9,900 train conductors, locomotive engineers, and other workers.

The union said turnout for the votes came in at 92 percent, with 98 percent supporting a strike mandate. The numbers varied among the four bargaining units, though none came back at lower than 95 percent.

The strike vote comes at the end of the 60-day conciliation period between the railways and unions. Both sides are now in a 21-day cooling off period. No strike or lockout can take place until it concludes.  Read more here in the iPolitics CPKC CN Vote to Strike. 

CPKC Announces Termination of Force Majeure

In a notice to customers on May 1, CN said it met with representatives of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union for contract negotiations on April 29 and 30, supported by federal conciliators.

CN indicated that the union is unavailable to meet again until May 13.

The company said it maintains a cautious outlook regarding the possibility of finalizing a deal by May 22, when a labour disruption could begin. 

For full details:   CN Negotiations with TCRC 

CPKC Update: Negotiations with TCRC

With the assistance of federal conciliators, CPKC and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) leadership are meeting again this week to continue negotiations to renew the collective agreements for both Train and Engine (T&E) and Rail Traffic Controller (RCTC) employees. The parties remain far apart.

A work stoppage will impact all Canadians. It will halt freight traffic on CPKC’s Canadian rail network. It will disrupt essential supply chains throughout North America, and significantly constrain trade between Canada and the U.S. and Mexico. Commuter services hosted on CPKC’s network in Montreal (Exo), Toronto (Metrolinx) and Vancouver (West Coast Express) will be unable to operate.

The TCRC leadership and CPKC are scheduled to meet again during the week of May 13.

For full details:  CPKC Bargaining Updates   

For further inquiries, email ocean@fisker.ca 

19 April: CARM Release 2 Delayed until 21 October 2024 for Trade Chain Partners

On April 19th, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the delay CARM (Canada Assessment and Revenue Management) Release 2 (R2) until October 21st, 2024. 

CARM will launch internally at the CBSA on May 13th, as planned, to advance the Agency’s compliance and enforcement efforts. However, as a result of strike vote activity now underway by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the possible impact on the Agency’s operations in the event of a positive strike vote, it is the intention of the CBSA to reschedule the launch for trade chain partners to October 21st, 2024. This will ensure that the Agency can support partners as they start using CARM. Therefore, until the fall, trade chain partners will continue to operate as they have.

Read the full news release from CBSA:   CBSA Phasing in CARM

Please see 'CARM Updates' under our *Resources page for additional news bulletins.

FCL Fisker CARM Registration Support Options

Option 1: Authorizing FCL Fisker Customs and Logistics to register in the portal on your behalf

• “I authorize FCL Fisker Customs and Logistics to register in the CARM Portal on my behalf for a one-time fee of CAD 220 + taxes.” 
• All information needed to be able to access and navigate the portal will be provided once registration is complete. 

Option 2: Assisted Registration

• A scheduled meeting with an authorized representative of the company will be booked for a walk-through on how to register in the portal. 
• This will guide the process of registration for CAD 125.00 + taxes.

Option 3: Self-Registration

• Please delegate authority to FCL Fisker and Hartwick O’Shea & Cartwright (HOC) once registration is done for us to continue to act as your customs brokers. 
• To complete this process, you must go to ->Manage my Business Relationships -> Approve Request-> All Programs -> Access: BAM – Business Account Manager – Check all boxes of Visibility Rules.

Option 4: Non-Involvement to CARM

• “I no longer import to Canada and am not required to register in the CARM portal.”

For more information, you can directly contact the CBSA's Client Support Centre at 1-800-461-9999 or visit:  CBSA Online

For additional support, email CARM@fisker.ca

For further inquiries, email customs@fisker.ca