The 74 inside and outside workers with the Town of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac are in a mediation session to get a tentative agreement before an upcoming 5-day strike. If this strike materializes, it will have an impact on services to the public and on activities surrounding Quebec’s national holiday. During the inside workers’ strike on June 4-5, many people turned out, which showed that the public supported the union leaders’ reasonable and responsible requests.
“On June 14, in the presence of mayor François Robillard, the employer submitted a comprehensive offer that did not meet the aspirations of the members of both locals. We came back with a final offer that was quickly turned down,” said Marc-Antoine Lucas, president of the union representing the outside workers of the Town of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
This day of mediation will provide an opportunity to get a tentative agreement that is satisfactory to both parties. If this happens, the union is willing to cancel the upcoming strike days to field questions from members of the public and to take part in the festivities scheduled for Quebec’s national holiday on June 24. We hope the employer will be as motivated as we are to come to an agreement,” added Johanne Parent, president of the union representing inside workers with the Town of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, who will also be striking.
The members reiterate that their wage demands are less than what members in neighboring municipalities and towns are being paid. They want to renew their collective agreement as quickly as possible. It is also worth noting that they have not had a pay hike in five years.