After holding a general meeting attended by members in their cars for the very first time in their history, the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal (SCFP 301) announced that 97.2% of members have voted for a mandate giving them the right to resort to pressure tactics up to and including an unlimited general strike. Remarkably, 2846 members exercised their voting rights.
“Unfortunately, talks have bogged down. The City of Montreal does not seem to want to negotiate in good faith at the bargaining table. Some pressure was needed to see this through in the interest of our membership. The mandate we received today shows that we are mobilized and determined,” declared CUPE 301 President, Luc Bisson.
Montreal blue-collar workers have been without a contract since December 2017. From 2018 until now, there have been 57 bargaining sessions, but the talks have not been successful. The City has not given enough consideration to all of the efforts employees have made, particularly during this health crisis.
“The City says it wants to negotiate but does not offer anything concrete. Today’s vote proves we’re serious. We’re fed up at being jerked around. The time has come to get down to work,” added Hans Marotte, CUPE union representative and spokesman for CUPE 301 at the bargaining table.
The health crisis forced Montreal blue-collar workers to hold their general meeting in a drive-in.