The Canadian UNIFOR workforce strike on the St. Lawrence Seaway is crippling the central New York and regional economy and it is imperative that it be settled as soon as possible, said William Scriber, CEO and executive director of The Port of Oswego Authority (POA), and secretary for the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA).

            “The Port of Oswego is not taking sides in the strike, but we’re critically affected by it,” Scriber said. “More than 100 local farmers are unable to bring their grain here for export, nor is Novelis able to be served by the port with waterborne shipments of raw aluminum.

            “In addition, according to a recent U.S./Canadian research study, 2,229 jobs are at stake that are supported by the Port’s maritime activity, and the Port makes a $half-billion impact on the local and regional economy. This issue must become a top priority by both the U.S. and Canadian governments to resolve it quickly—especially as we near the end of our 2023 shipping season.  Everyday this strike continues It affects jobs here in Oswego, our customers, and our ability to engage in international trade.”

            According to the AGLPA, the Seaway serves important sectors for the North American economy, including steel making, energy, agriculture, construction and manufacturing.  A recent economic impact analysis of commerce through the seaway documents that in 2022 the waterway handled more than 36 million tons of cargo and supported more than 24,000 jobs in the U.S. and 42,000 in Canada. A 2020 analysis of mid-season closure scenarios shows that a two-week closure would result in the loss of 19,227 jobs; a five-week closure would result in the loss of 21,0465 jobs; and an eight-week closure would result in the loss of 22,144 jobs.

            AGLPA believes that the work stoppage will also damage the record of reliability that Seaway shippers have come to depend upon. As an inland transportation system, the Seaway system competes with other modes of transportation, such as rail and trucking. In addition, the Seaway system also competes with the U.S. inland river barge system. Supply chain managers have options, and they will make transport decisions based on cost and reliability.

A recently released U.S./Canadian research study shows that the Port of Oswego generated $201.2 million in wages, salaries, and local consumption expenditures for the regional economy. The Port of Oswego’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Northeastern North American shipping market, puts them less than 350 miles from 60 million people.

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