The strike by workers at the Old Port has resulted in dozens of job losses after a number of restaurants had to close.
The strike by roughly 300 federal employees forced the closure of the Montreal Science Centre, the Port d'Escale Marina and Clock Tower beach.
O’Quai Bistro owner Adam Harvey said workers at the Old Port asked him to close his doors.
The restaurant is connected to the Montreal Science Centre and is in the same building as reception halls owned and operated by the Old Port, which are closed.
The food court adjacent to O'Quai is also closed.
“Our operations are completely cancelled,” said Harvey, who said workers at the Old Port asked him to close his doors for "security" purposes.
“I ask, ‘What kind of security reasons? Can you be more specific or something?’ And there are no more details,” he said.
Harvey said he was even more puzzled because the Old Port has hired replacement workers.
In a statement to CTV Montreal, the Old Port wrote: “The only external employees engaged in that period are to ensure the safety and security of the Old Port.”
Even striking workers can't explain why businesses were forced to be shut down.
“I don't think there are any security worries whatsoever for that business owner. I don't understand why he's closed, honestly,” said union delegate Jacques Fontaine.
Harvey said the closure is costing his business probably $25,000 a week in addition to the job losses.
“Approximately 20 jobs over here are lost. Me, I still have to work but I can't pay myself. I had one pay in the last seven months and I was happy that the season was starting,” he said, adding that he hopes the strike can be resolved before the entire season is lost.