Members of Montreal’s blue‑collar workers’ union (Local 301) who work at the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) have reached a new two-year labour contract. Representatives from both sides signed the agreement this morning.
“This collective agreement marks a major turning point in our labour relations, especially considering that the previous negotiations lasted more than four years,” said Michel Parent, president of CUPE Local 301. “I would like to point out that this agreement was made possible thanks to Mr. Hébert, the SHDM’s new general director. His honesty and candour played a huge part in keeping the two parties on the same track. This allowed them to reach an agreement within a few meetings, without confrontation.”
“Over the past two years, we have managed to maintain a respectful dialogue with top-notch employees. Efforts were made to resolve a number of problems, and that paid off. From now on at the SHDM, peaceful labour relations and productivity will go hand in hand,” said Guy Hébert, general director of the SHDM. “This new collective agreement is the result of an open dialogue between the employer and the employees, and best of all it’s on budget. We would like to thank the union representatives for their remarkable work.”
The new collective agreement expires in 2012. It includes a 2 per cent annual salary increase, the consolidation of existing jobs, improved clauses regarding availability, statutory holidays, and parental leave. It also offers salary adjustments for two employees working at Marché Bonsecours, a request that was first filed a few years ago. This agreement is proof that there has been a real shift in the relationship between both parties. The SHDM’s future looks much brighter and we can now put all those years of strenuous labour relations behind us. Montreal’s blue-collar workers’ union (CUPE Local 301) represents 65 SHDM property management support workers.