Montreal Blue-Collar Workers to Escalate Labor Action with Three-Day Strike in April
Montreal's blue-collar workers are set to intensify their ongoing labor dispute with the city by staging a three-day strike next month. The union representing over 6,000 municipal employees, CUPE Local 301, announced the planned walkout for April 15-18, marking a significant escalation after a previous 24-hour strike in February.
Union Criticizes City's Wage Offer as "Unacceptable and Shameful"
Union president Jean-Pierre Lauzon expressed strong dissatisfaction with the city's negotiating position in a social media statement. "The city refuses to consider improving its monetary offer, which is unacceptable and shameful," Lauzon declared. "We keep the city running every day."
The primary point of contention remains wages, with the union rejecting the city's proposal of an 11-percent increase spread over five years. Negotiations for a new collective agreement have been ongoing since February 2025, following the expiration of the previous contract in December 2024.
Essential Services to Continue During Strike Action
Despite the planned work stoppage, essential municipal services will continue to operate. Prior to the February strike, Quebec's Tribunal administratif du travail ruled that critical functions including public space cleaning, water and sewer operations, and major road repairs must be maintained during any labor action.
The union has become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, with members attending city news conferences and council meetings to directly address elected officials about their concerns.
Negotiations Continue Amid Escalating Tensions
In a Friday news release, CUPE Local 301 noted that two negotiation meetings per week are scheduled with the city through April. "We will continue these good-faith talks to reach a negotiated agreement, but the city will need to compromise," Lauzon stated.
The February strike marked the first blue-collar worker walkout in Montreal since 2009, highlighting the seriousness of the current impasse. The upcoming three-day action represents a substantial escalation in pressure tactics as both sides work toward resolving the wage dispute.
