Outside workers with the City of Verdun, members of CUPE 302, have been on strike since October 1, 1998 to protect their working conditions against an all-out attack by one of the most regressive municipal leaders in Québec.
Since the election of Georges Bossé as mayor, the 150 civic workers have faced attacks on their job classifications, seniority and wages. They’ve been subject to constant harassment and abuse, as surveillance cameras have been installed in their worksites and health and safety complaints are ignored. The collective agreement is constantly violated, resulting in more than 4000 grievances, and hundreds of disciplinary letters have been entered into employees’ files.
To combat these tactics, the brothers and sisters have taken strike action demanding respect for their collective agreement. This battle is all the more important because Mayor Bossé chairs the employer’s council for the municipalities surrounding Montréal.
After six months on the line, the members of Local 302 need the support of their sisters and brothers across Canada. CUPE locals are encouraged to sponsor a striker and their family. With a pledge of $50 or $100 per week, you can demonstrate your solidarity at a crucial time.
To make your pledge, please contact Christine Carrière at the Regional Office in Montréal, 545 Crézamie Blvd. East, 12th floor, Montréal, Québec H2M 2V1 or fax to (514) 384-9680.