On Monday evening, aquatic activities instructors with the City of Saint-Lambert held a demonstration outside municipal council on Hooper Street. A wave of uncertainty is currently washing over this group, as employer representatives have let it be known to the instructors, lifeguards and their union that their jobs are threatened by contracting out. In fact, it appears the mayor wants to bring in a private company, the Blue Machine Natation swimming club, and let them take over the work of instructors who are members of the Syndicats regroupés des employés municipaux (SREM-CUPE 306) in Saint-Lambert.
It is important to understand that while some employees are instructors, who give swimming lessons, and others are lifeguards, who supervise the pools, both roles are often taken on by the same person. If you eliminate the position of instructor, you could consequently lose many lifeguards, who would be tempted or even forced to seek employment in another city to be able to put together a full annual schedule.
“Keeping instructors is important for continuity and to ensure the same quality of service for residents. They are the ones with the expertise and best able to accomplish this work. In general, when recurring work is carried out in-house by city employees, there are no surprises, no conflicts of interest, and no issues with transparency; the costs are known and stable,” explained Karine Laprise, SREM-CUPE 306 president.
“More broadly, we are concerned about the bad turn labour relations have taken at the City of Saint-Lambert. There has been a lot of turn-over in management and lots of disruption for our inside worker members as well. These are big red flags for us,” the president added.
The Syndicats regroupés des employés municipaux (SREM), CUPE 306, represents 57 members of the swimming instructors and lifeguards unit at the City of Saint-Lambert. The current collective agreement for aquatic activities and facilities staff is in effect until December 31, 2026.
In all, the SREM-CUPE 306 represents more than 2,700 members in the five amalgamated cities of Longueuil: Boucherville, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and Longueuil. The union defends a dozen collective agreements for its members who are office workers, technical and professional employees, school crossing guards, and swimming pool staff.
