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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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Montreal Dockworkers Reject Final Offer, Lockout Declared

 

In a significant development, the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union has overwhelmingly rejected the final offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), leading to an immediate lockout. The union, representing approximately 1,200 dockworkers, voted 99.7% against the proposed contract, citing the employer’s refusal to negotiate in good faith.

The MEA expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating that the lockout was unavoidable due to the union’s stance. Essential services and activities unrelated to dockworkers will continue at the port, but the lockout is expected to have substantial economic repercussions, given the Port of Montreal’s role as Canada’s second-largest port, handling nearly $400 million in goods daily.

Union advisor Michel Murray criticized the MEA’s approach, emphasizing that the offer did not address the union’s demands and that the conflict could have been avoided with proper negotiations. The federal labour minister has been urged to intervene to mitigate the economic impact of the lockout.

This lockout adds to the ongoing labor disputes at Canada’s major ports, with workers at the Port of Vancouver also locked out due to a separate contract dispute.


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