The union representing Ville de Châteauguay’s 122 outside workers has called off the strike scheduled for November 21–29. The decision aims to keep the disputes between the employer and employees from affecting the public at this stage of the negotiations and to give a chance to the mediation that is underway.
Talks remain difficult, however. The employer refuses to provide essential information at the bargaining table about its own demands, notably concerning subcontracting and work schedules. For several months, the union has been trying to access data that would enable the parties to calculate the real cost of subcontracting at the Ville de Châteauguay and of accomplishing the same work with employees. Yet, the city does not want to provide this information. The union would use these figures to determine whether outsourcing results in savings or in additional costs for residents.
“It’s not just about bargaining, it’s about the sound administration of public funds,” said Stéphane Paré, CUPE representative. “The Ville de Châteauguay is making demands that it refuses to justify with figures. It’s insulting to the union, but also to residents. If the city is actually saving money this way, why keep the data from us?”
While City Manager Karl Sacha Langlois said in a press release that he was surprised to learn that the union was considering strike action, it should be noted that the city’s human resources department hired a private law firm to manage labour relations, a decision that is generating additional costs for taxpayers. The union therefore invites Mr. Langlois to come to the bargaining table himself, a gesture that could prevent such surprises in the future.
A mediation session for the involved parties is scheduled for November 20. Mediation could last until the end of January 2026.