CUPE 4887, the union representing outside workers at the Office d’habitation de Longueuil, unanimously voted in favour of pressure tactics that could go as far as an indefinite strike.
“In the midst of a housing crisis, we should be taking care of the people maintaining our affordable, non-market housing,” said CUPE representative Brigitte Archambault.
Negotiations went well regarding non-monetary clauses. The sticking point arose over salary increases, which are set by the Société d’habitation du Québec, SHQ. For now, the SHQ can only commit to the percentages for the first three years, while the government is forcing all locals in the municipal sector to sign contracts for a minimum of five years.
“The employer is unable to give us the wage increase percentages for the final two years of the collective agreement. This situation is making our members feel extremely anxious and frustrated,” concluded the union representative.
The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024.