The outside workers at the Ville de Montréal launched a second strike this morning. The three-day action will run from 6:00 a.m. on April 15 to 6 a.m. on April 18. Workers picketed in front of all municipal garages on the first day.
At a press conference earlier today, Jean‑Pierre Lauzon, president of the Syndicat des cols bleus regroupés de Montréal (CUPE 301), gave an update on bargaining. Talks are at an impasse, as the city continues to be inflexible on its wage-increase program.
“We have shown openness and goodwill,” Lauzon explained. “The non-monetary clauses are now settled. The only thing still holding us back is the city’s insistence on offering an 11% increase over five years. This would directly impoverish outside workers during a cost-of-living crisis.”
The union also mentioned that it recently tabled concrete solutions that would let the Ville de Montréal save substantial amounts, by reducing subcontracting in line with the findings of the office of the inspector general.
“We’ve been focused on solutions right from the start,” Lauzon continued. “But the city’s wage offer is not based on any rigorous comparison, and it does not reflect the economic realities or the outside workers’ essential contribution.”
The union points out that choosing to strike is never done lightly. Striking is always a last resort, when all other avenues have been exhausted.
“We want a negotiated agreement, and we want to keep working for Montréal, but we won’t sign an agreement that would set our members back, especially in such difficult economic times,” Lauzon concluded.
A first, one-day strike took place in February. It was the first time outside workers had held a strike since 2009. Their collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024, and the parties have held nearly 50 negotiation and mediation meetings to date.