In latest pressure tactic, Port of Montreal dockworkers launch overtime strike

Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal began a halt to all overtime work this morning in a pressure tactic targeting their employers as contract talks continue.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA)confirmed the overtime strike kicked off as scheduled at 7 a.m. ET.

The union, which representsnearly 1,200 longshore workers at the port, has said scheduling remains a key stumbling block in the bargaining sessions. Those sessionsresumed last week alongside federal mediators.

The MEA struck back against the union earlier this week, warning that employees assigned to shifts with incomplete crews will not be paid because they slow or halt the flow of freight.

The association, which represents shipping companies and terminal operators, says the freeze on overtime work will have a big impact on operations.

The limited job action comes after a three-day strike last week at two terminals that handle 41 per cent of container traffic at the country's second-largest port.