Mayors Speak Out on St. Lawrence Seaway Strike

Local mayors are urging both sides to resume negotiations

The mayors of Welland, Thorold, Port Colborne and St. Catharines are encouraging both sides of the St. Lawrence Seaway labour dispute to come back to the bargaining table. 

Yesterday, hundreds of workers walked off the job, closing down the entire St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie. 

Last year, ships carried over about $16 billion worth of cargo, and the mayors say they're worried the strike could have a negative impact on the economy and jobs.

"Much of Port Colborne’s livelihood hinges on the bustling activity along the Welland Canal," said Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele. "I wholeheartedly urge the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Unifor to expedite their efforts in reaching a fair and reasonable agreement."

"It is easy to take for granted the St. Lawrence Seaway, a vital artery that connects communities and economies along its shores," said Welland Mayor Frank Campion. "With open communication, a willingness to negotiate, and a shared goal of ensuring the flow of goods along this waterway continues to meet the needs of millions, the current labour dispute can be short-lived." 

“The Welland Canal is a critical piece of marine transportation infrastructure that enables the global movement of goods through the St. Lawrence Seaway System,” said Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini. “This unique asset has enabled the growth of the Niagara Ports – Thorold location that leverages the multimodal infrastructure that connects, marine, rail, and road to support local jobs in the agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing sectors of the Niagara economy."

“The St. Lawrence Seaway is an intricate system of infrastructure representing significant capital investments by both the private and public sectors, and is a vital trade corridor that makes a significant economic contribution to both our regional economy and the entirety of North America,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. “The Seaway connects some of the largest inland markets and consumers to the world. A swift and fair contract settlement will ensure our community remains a priority for continued employment and reinvestment.”

The group is also calling on the federal government to step in if necessary.