Just in time for the Montreal Grand-Prix, a tentative agreement between parc Jean-Drapeau and the blue-collar workers affiliated with CUPE 301 was ratified by 95% of the membership at a general meeting on Wednesday evening. They had voted in favour of pressure tactics up to and including strike action last month.
“The workers made some significant gains, and they were relentless in their defense of basic principle – equal pay for work of equal value. They can now continue their work as proud partners of parc Jean-Drapeau so that it is in excellent condition for all Montrealers and tourists coming to the city to attend the numerous activities that will be held,” explained Daniel Morin, a CUPE union representative.
The blue-collar workers denounced the systemic discrimination and payment disparities confronting two-thirds of the members with precarious status and lesser wage conditions. This collective agreement puts an end to the inequalities at parc Jean-Drapeau.
“The workers are quite happy. All of them will be receiving sizeable wage increases, signing bonuses and a retention premium each year. All members will now be part of the pension plan. They will also be entitled to the same vacations, the same leave and the same wages, regardless of their status,” added Morin.