BUSINESS

St. Lawrence Seaway, unionized workers go to binding arbitration

The Canadian Press Published Monday, November 3, 2014 7:11AM EST

At the St. Lambert locks part on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Montreal, March 31, 2009. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Ryan Remiorz)

Text:

CORNWALL, Ont. -- Unionized St Lawrence Seaway workers won't be taking job action, saying they've agreed to send unresolved contract issues to binding arbitration.

Unifor, which represents the 460 workers, says negotiators for the two sides concluded binding arbitration was the best way to resolve the outstanding issues.

A news release from the union says the issues sent to arbitration and the final contract will be released with the arbitrator's decision.

Last week the union said that one of the key issues in the contract talks was staffing levels at the locks.

Unifor says both sides expect a meeting with the arbitrator will soon be arranged.

Labour Minister Kellie Leitch met with both sides last week and welcomed the decision to agree to arbitration.