UCTE represents members at six Canadian ports. Most of us outside of the industry think of ports in terms of cargo and passengers. There’s much more to ports than that. Each port where our members work drives the local economy in different ways.
Major investments in ports are diversifying trade routes and supply chains. These projects build on the strategic value of ports for Canada’s economic growth and our sovereignty.
This series is intended to show the range of different activities and responsibilities in our members’ jobs at ports.
Our first profile in the series is of Matt Brown, events logistics coordinator at the Port of Saint John.
It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when people think about ports work: Matt Brown manages event logistics at Port Saint John, which has two big, bright cruise terminals right on the waterfront. One of them claims the only 360-degree view in town—from its rooftop deck.
Matt Brown’s work ties the port into the economy of Saint John and also its cultural life. As well as welcoming cruises, the terminals host all sorts of functions, from rock concerts to business banquets, weddings, art galas, high school proms, job fairs and more.
“No two days are the same”
Matt’s role is quite unique. Other UCTE members at the port are operations staff, labourers, an oceanographer, and an electrician. But they all play a part in the port’s productivity, which supports the local economy.
Matt describes the port of Saint John as “small but mighty.” There’s a lot happening on 120 hectares with almost 4 km of waterfront.
“We’re a cruise port operating across from a container port, so it’s full tilt. . . there’s LNG down the way, potash, a molasses pipeline, ferry terminals—it all sits on port land. We have another massive piece of land that serves as a third cruise ship terminal. So, if you look at the footprint, it’s impressive—with a small team in total for the port.”
A small team, that is, with a wide skill set. ‘Operations’ sounds simple but describes a big scope of work. To put it in a nutshell, Brown says they “keep the facilities moving and looking good and respond immediately to what nature can do to the place.” The UCTE members there even recently completed an office renovation project for the port—in-house.
Rapid Growth
In the four years that Matt has been there, the port has grown from two cranes to six, with space for that potentially to double. Ground was broken on a new cold storage facility just last year. The port is accepting larger container ships than ever with enhanced intermodal connections – particularly with rail.
These developments—which expand the port’s role in supply chains, trade, and tourism—should bring more—and more varied—work for our members.
Solidarity Works
Matt is also President of UCTE Local 61124. It has 14 members in the summer, including seasonal workers.
Relations with any employer have their ups and downs. To keep good lines of communication open the good of the membership takes a little finesse. The result is being able to settle some issues before they escalate, which leads to quicker and better outcomes for members.
As a relatively new Local President, Matt finds he can gain respect from management through openness and integrity. Being consistent and letting people know what they can expect can reduce the number of meetings it takes to resolve an issue or build enough goodwill for better outcomes.
Sometimes conflict is inevitable on the road to settlement. But we can often stand up for members without setting out to create conflict or intimidate anyone needlessly. Matt says this approach has served him well so far.
It helps to have good neighbours too—Matt mentions that they have good relations with the International Longshoremen’s Association local also located at Port Saint John, which comprises about 200 members.
Longshore work stoppages (not at Saint John) have been in the headlines in recent years but they’re not the only workers fighting for better conditions at ports. Our members are shoulder-to-shoulder with them each day, supporting each other’s day-to-day work and union activism.
Inter-union solidarity is helpful when bargaining with the Port of Saint John is underway—which it currently is. For a bargaining unit of just fourteen, solidarity from across UCTE is important. Members everywhere can help by reaching out with messages of support.
