CUPE Raises Concerns Over Ammonium Nitrate Handling Hazards at Port of Quebeca

As Lebanon somberly commemorates the tragic explosion at the Beirut Port on September 11, 2020, there is a disconcerting revelation surfacing from the Port of Quebec. The union representing the longshore workers at this port is raising alarm bells over the handling of ammonium nitrate, the same chemical compound that led to the devastating incident in Beirut.

When the seasoned longshore workers were actively performing their duties, ammonium nitrate was routinely transferred between two vessels—the Umiak 1 and the Arvik 1. On a monthly basis, these ships were loaded and dispatched to Northern Quebec, where ammonium nitrate serves as an explosive component in mining operations. The prevailing concern is that this practice continues unabated. This week, both of these ships are presently stationed at the port, creating a strong likelihood that replacement workers are indeed handling ammonium nitrate.

This critical work is being conducted in the Anse-au-Foulon sector of the Port of Quebec, an area where the lives and homes of local residents are potentially in jeopardy should an accident or explosion occur.

Nina Laflamme, the representative of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), shed light on the gravity of the situation. "Our members are highly trained to handle this exceedingly dangerous and explosively volatile material. It must be emphasized that workers must undergo comprehensive training and maintain constant vigilance to execute this work safely. Currently, we have replacementrkers who have received a mere eight hours of online training and are inadequately equipped to navigate the port areas safely. This is a precarious situation," Laflamme articulated.

The period since the inception of the lockout has witnessed a concerning surge in the number of reported accidents. Laflamme emphasized the palpable and genuine risks at hand, making it imperative to address this precarious situation.

As the one-year anniversary of the lockout, initiated on September 15, 2022, draws near, the union is steadfastly demanding that the Société des Arrimeurs du Québec prioritize resolving this conflict. The union expresses deep disappointment in the employer's persistence in pushing for unmanageable work schedules, asserting their indispensability to the industry—an industry that was thriving prior to the initiation of this labor dispute.

The situation at the Port of Quebec is fraught with peril, not only for the longshore workers involved but also for the surrounding community. The handling of ammonium nitrate, a substance notorious for its explosive potential, by inadequately trained replacement workers, has raised significant concerns about safety and disaster prevention. As Lebanon's tragic memories continue to linger, the call for a swift and responsible resolution to the lockout at the Port of Quebec grows louder, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding lives and the environment.