Montreal’s blue-collar workforce, totaling around 6,000 workers, launched their first day of strike action on Wednesday. While essential services remain operational, some disruptions for the public are anticipated.
The strike, initiated by blue-collar workers who are part of a local chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) affiliated with the FTQ, commenced at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday and is scheduled to last until 5:59 a.m. on Thursday.
As a result of the work stoppage, there will be no household waste collection, recycling pickups, or composting services. However, the Administrative Labour Tribunal has determined that this temporary halt in waste collection does not pose a threat to public health or safety.
An agreement on essential services, approved by the Administrative Labour Tribunal, allows for street cleaning in case of emergencies. Road repairs will be limited to addressing major potholes and subsidence issues.
Specific guidelines have been outlined for snow and ice management, including the timely spreading of abrasives and de-icing agents on sidewalks, bike paths, and roads following weather reports indicating a trace of 1 centimeter or more of snow. Snow clearing on sidewalks and roads with steep inclines will be conducted when snow accumulation reaches 2.5 centimeters or more.
Snow removal will commence once a snow depth of 17.5 centimeters is achieved, although this level is not expected to be reached on Wednesday based on current weather forecasts.
Apart from snow-related duties, the striking blue-collar workers are responsible for various tasks such as park maintenance, water services, street upkeep, and more.
The ongoing labor dispute is primarily centered on salary increases. The union contends that the City’s financial constraints are pushing blue-collar workers into financial hardship. The collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024.
