Baltimore – Trapped Shipping Vessel is Freed!

The container ship that was trapped under the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge was successfully freed yesterday. Salvage teams employed multiple explosive charges to disentangle the bridge debris from the trapped vessel. The alternative channel has been established and has since moved 365 commercial vessels to and from port. Officials are optimistic about fully reopening the port by May 31st.

Canada – Strikes Are Looming at CN/CPKC Rail, Montreal Port, and Vancouver Port

Since May 5th, intense negotiations have been underway to renew contracts between Canadian National Railway (CN), Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC), and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). The parties face a tight deadline until May 22nd to reach an agreement, with TCRC members currently voting in favor of a strike.

At the Port of Montreal, workers have been without a labor agreement since December 2023, positioning them to potentially issue a strike notice at any moment.

Meanwhile, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is in contentious talks with the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). With negotiations reminiscent of last year’s disruptions, the likelihood of a strike by the ILWU as of May 10th appears imminent.

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide status updates as they become available.