Seaspan Signs MOA

Following extensive discussions with the Honorable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labor and Minister of Status of Women, Seaspan announced this afternoon it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Canadian Merchant Service Guild (the Guild), agreeing to enter Federal mediation/arbitration.

This announcement comes after more than eight months of collective agreement negotiations between Seaspan and the Guild, which began on October 21, 2013.

As part of the agreement, Seaspan will also defer implementation of its new collective agreement, which was scheduled to take effect on Monday, June 9. In addition, the Guild, whose members will be meeting tomorrow to discuss a strike vote, have agreed not to go on strike.

In the meantime, Minister Leitch remains thoroughly engaged in discussions with Seaspan’s other marine union, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), and we expect talks to continue throughout the remainder of her visit.