Approximately 1200 inside workers with the City of Longueuil, who have been without a contract since January 1, 2021, will be going on strike on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Despite having around 75 bargaining sessions since May 9, 2022, talks have always stalled on the issue of equity with other Longueuil municipal workers. The inside workers, who are represented by SREM-CUPE 306, the amalgamated municipal employees union, are seeking the same conditions that were negotiated with outside workers, including a 10% increase in the wage scale and a four-day week. Most inside workers are women, and their outdoor counterparts are primarily men.
Pickets will be set up in front of the following locations: Longueuil City Hall, 4250, ch. de la Savane, on March 13-14 from 8 am to 4:30 pm; 77, rue d’Auvergne, on March 13 between 7:30 and 4 pm; and 1, boul. Curé-Poirier Est, on March 14 between 8 am and 4:30 pm.
“Contrary to what the employer has been saying publicly, their position is indeed to offer inside workers less than the outside workers in terms of wages and the length of the work week. Our members are determined to mobilize until equity is achieved between both groups, and the first step is to hold a two-day strike,” explained Karine Laprise, president of the SREM-CUPE 306.
“It also makes it challenging to provide citizens with quality services. By providing us with fair working conditions, Longueuil will also reduce its problems of recruiting and retaining staff,” she added.
On November 6, Longueuil inside workers voted 92% in favour of pressure tactics up to and including strike action.