St. Lawrence Shipowners welcomes agreement reached on the St. Lawrence Seaway

[Press Release] Montréal, September 24, 2026 - St. Lawrence Shipowners welcomes the ratification of a new four-year collective agreement between the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and its unionized employees represented by UNIFOR.

St. Lawrence Shipoperators commends both parties for reaching an agreement that ensures continuity of Seaway operations. This outcome is particularly important as the fall shipping season approaches, when continuity and predictability of operations are essential for shipowners, their customers and the supply chains served by the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence corridor.

“We commend the Corporation and union representatives for reaching this agreement. Following the experience of 2023, it was essential to avoid another interruption to navigation. This four-year agreement provides welcome stability and predictability for shipowners, shippers and all businesses that depend on the Seaway,” said Saul Polo, President and CEO of St. Lawrence Shipowners.

The new collective agreement covers a four-year period. The Corporation has also emphasized that the agreement will provide greater stability and predictability for Seaway users and the industries that depend on it.

St. Lawrence Shipowners hopes that this stability will help strengthen the long-term reliability, competitiveness and growth of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence corridor.